Bomet Governor Barchok nominates County Assembly Speaker as his deputy

Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok has nominated the County Assembly Speaker Shadrack Rotich as his deputy.

Governor Barchok, in a letter to the Assembly on Tuesday, attached copies of Mr. Rotich’s “curriculum vitae and testimonials for ease of reference and necessary action.”

Mr. Rotich is now set to be vetted by the Assembly before taking up the position if he is approved.

Dr. Hillary Barchok was sworn in as Bomet County Governor on August 8, 2019 following the death of his predecessor, Dr. Joyce Laboso, who succumbed to Cancer at the Nairobi Hospital on July 29, 2019.

The speaker’s nomination as deputy governor could however set up a political sandstorm since a host of the country’s women leaders have previously implored on the Bomet Governor to nominate a woman to the position in honour of Dr. Laboso.

Governors Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga) and Charity Ngilu (Kitui) – speaking during Dr. Laboso’s funeral on August 3 at Fort Ternan in Kisumu County — noted the importance of women leaders in the country, stating that Laboso had exceptionally led Bomet County and displayed how women can be impactful in leadership.

“I know there are some balancing acts and political interests but we humbly request that you choose a woman as your deputy. Pick a woman as a deputy, one from Sotik and preferably choose from her family…look at the extended family of Laboso,” said Governor Waiguru.

Governor Ngilu, on her part, stated: “It is our duty as women leaders to bring different leadership just like the late Governor Joyce Laboso did. She brought leadership close to people, Kenyans need water, food, education, healthcare, among others which women leadership can deliver.”