Laikipia Deputy Governor Slams Persistent Undermining of His Office

By James Murimi - Reporter

Kenya, 23 December 2025 - Laikipia Deputy Governor Reuben Kamuri has faulted the persistent undermining of the Office of the Deputy Governor, saying the practice erodes devolution and weakens county governance.

Kamuri, who also chairs the Kenya Deputy Governors Forum, said devolution was established to ensure resources and development reach ordinary citizens at the grassroots, but this goal is being compromised when constitutional offices are deliberately weakened.

“Devolution is the best thing that ever happened in this country. It was meant to take services closer to the people and spur development,” he said.

He noted that deputy governors are elected on a joint ticket with governors and are constitutionally mandated to serve as their principal deputies in county leadership.

However, Kamuri observed that in Laikipia County, this structure has repeatedly been ignored.

The deputy governor recalled the leadership wrangles that marked Governor Joshua Irungu’s first term (2013–2017), when then Deputy Governor Gitonga Kabugi was stripped of his duties barely three months into office.

“That confusion in leadership was a clear sign of bad governance and should never be tolerated,” Kamuri said.

He expressed concern that similar conflicts have re-emerged during Governor Irungu’s second term in office (2022–2027), describing the situation as a continuation of a troubling pattern.

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Kamuri said the Office of the Deputy Governor cannot be rendered ineffective without deliberate action, arguing that such moves are often driven by directives meant to paralyse the office.

“When the Office of the Deputy Governor is disabled, it is not accidental. It is a deliberate move that undermines constitutional order,” he said.

Calling for respect for institutions created under the Constitution, Kamuri urged county leadership to uphold the law and allow deputy governors to perform their duties without interference.

As chairperson of the Kenya Deputy Governors Forum, Kamuri said he is proud that many Kenyans now better understand the roles of governors and their deputies across the 47 counties.

“The Deputy Governor is part of the county’s decision-making machinery,” he said.

He also warned against informal arrangements where individuals are assigned responsibilities reserved for deputy governors, insisting that county governments must remain strong, lawful institutions.

“I will always speak as the voice of the people of Laikipia whenever issues arise. We must work for our people and safeguard our institutions,” Kamuri said.