Pressure is gradually building up on the newly sworn in Bomet Governor, Dr. Hillary Kipngeno Barchok to appoint a woman to deputise him.
Dr. Barchok, who was sworn in to be the third Governor of Bomet on Thursday, has been urged by female politicians to nominate a woman deputy in honour of the departed second Governor Dr. Joyce Laboso.
The plea was made yesterday, yet again after the matter was first raised by Kitui Governor, Charity Ngilu at the All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi.
Dr. Edwin Abonyo, spouse to Dr. Laboso, said he was aware that there have been suggestions pointing towards having a family member appointed to be Deputy Governor.
Dr. Abonyo particularly said he had names in mind but said the individual must be “well disposed,” with the people of Bomet. The swearing in occasion was presided over by Kericho High Court Judge, Geoffrey Dullu and attended by Deputy President, Dr. William Ruto.
Among the likely appointees include County Chief of Staff Jane Sigilai, former Bomet Woman Representative Cecilia Ngetich, 2017 Senatorial aspirant Stacy Chepkemoi and Dr. Joyce Laboso’s sister, Judy Laboso.
“Because a woman was a Governor and a man was her Deputy, now when a woman has left the position, it is automatic that a woman would become a Deputy Governor. I don’t think that should be an issue,” the Right Honourable former Prime Minister Raila Odinga said earlier in Bomet during Laboso’s funeral, adding pressure to Barchok.
The Bomet residents have nevertheless fronted former Siongiroi Principal and 2017 Sotik Member of Parliament aspirant Juliana Yegon.
The Bomet County Member of Parliament, Joyce Korir however, asked the new Governor not to bow down to the pressure to appoint his deputy but instead learn the ropes first.
The former mathematics and chemistry high school teacher and later lecturer and Dean of students at Chuka University, came into active politics after he was picked on in the run up to the 2017 General elections by Dr. Joyce Laboso.
Dr. Barchok however, did not speak about the issue in his 30 minutes’ inauguration speech at Bomet Green stadium, he instead paid tribute to the late Dr. Joyce Laboso, showering her with praises for her trust in him, mentorship and lessons on selfless leadership.
By Kipngeno Korir