During the general election each candidate for election as a county Governor must nominate a Deputy Governor candidate.
In this case the Independent Electoral Commission of Kenya doesn’t conduct a separate election for the Deputy Governor but they are jointly elected as the Governor and Deputy Governor.
In the Constitution of Kenya ,the Governor and Deputy Governors are not allowed to hold Office for more than two terms.
What happens when the Office of the Deputy Governor becomes Vacant either through death or resignation??
The Constitution of Kenya 2010, has provided guidance on how to replace a county Governor but silent on a Deputy Governor.
There was a Lacuna in law on the dealing with vacancy upon death ,impeachment, resignation or Deputy Governor’s assumption into the Governor’s Office.
Though the Apex court of Kenya ruled in 2018 that the Office was not to have vacuum until the next General election is held. The Supreme Court was then supposed to offer guidance on how filll the Deputy Governor seat when it’s vacant.
The Governors were to be allowed to do fresh nominations with 14 days to replace their deputies who resign ,die in Office or are impeached.
After the Governor has nominated the Deputy Governor then the nominee will be subjected to vetting and approval by the Members of the respective County Assemblies within 60 days of presentation of the Nominee.
If the candidate is approved then he will take the Oath of Office and assumes Office as the Deputy Governor.
