Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has been elected the new chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG), with Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka named vice-chairperson in a consensus deal aimed at preserving unity among county chiefs.
The leadership changes were announced on Monday, October 12, 2026, following a Full Council meeting at Mövenpick Hotel in Westlands, Nairobi.
Lusaka said governors had agreed to adopt consensus rather than competitive elections to avoid divisions within the council, pledging to work with Njuki and other county leaders to strengthen devolution.
“I could never divide an otherwise cohesive group for personal gain. Devolution is bigger than any one of us,” Lusaka said.
Njuki’s election comes as county governments continue to push for adequate funding, timely disbursement of allocations and greater administrative independence in delivering services.
The Council of Governors brings together leaders of Kenya’s 47 counties and represents their collective interests in engagements with the national government and other institutions.
Njuki will now lead the council’s efforts to advance county interests, while Lusaka will support coordination and collaboration among governors as they seek to protect and strengthen devolution.
