The re-election of Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has ensured that ODM leader Raila Odinga continues to wield influence across the County’s.
Oparanya is a close ally of the ODM leader.
A good number of Governors were elected on an ODM ticket.
Before the elections on Monday, Deputy President William Ruto was rumored to be “scheming behind the scenes” to have one of his allies at the helm of the CoG.
Speaking to Hot News on condition of anonymity, a Governor from Western Kenya said Oparanya will advance Raila’s agendas through the CoG.
After the election, Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong lauded Oparanya.
“Your re-election through consensus shows the confidence the Governors have in your leadership, “ Ojaamong said.
He asked his fellow colleagues to give the chair support to deliver on his mandate.
Muranga Governor Mwangi Wa Iria was also re-elected vice chair while Makueni Governor Professor Kivutha Kibwana is the chief whip.
Oparanya was elected in January 2018 to take over from Turkana Governor Josephat Nanok who served for one term.
Former Bomet Governor Isaac Rutto was the first CoG chairman in 2013 before taking over the mantle for the second and final term the following year.
Former Meru Governor and now Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture Peter Munya took over from Rutto where he served for two terms until 2016.
The third CoG chairman was Turkana Governor Josephat Nanok in 2017.
A new CoG chair will be elected in 2021 after Oparanya’s two terms come to an end.
The position of chairman of the Council of Governors is an influential post and link between 47 Governors and the National government.
The CoG chair is also the vice-chair of the Summit, the apex body for Intergovernmental relations between Counties and the national government that is chaired by the President.