Kapkea finally sworn-in as third Deputy Governor of Uasin Gishu
Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea takes the oath of office at the county headquarters in Eldoret. He had delayed to take office since August but he will now commence his work following a court ruling. Photo/Jeremiah Choge
Uasin Gishu County Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea has finaly taken an oath of office to serve as the third holder of the office.
The seat was left after the previous holder John Barorot resigned to take up a position as Chief Executive Officer of an international organisation.
In his maiden speech, Mr Kapkea thanked Governor for the trust he bestowed upon by appointing him for the position.
"I'm humbled to stand before you, deeply thankful for God’s grace and favour, which have guided me to this extraordinary moment," said Mr Kapkea.
"Your Excellency, see in me a young man, a determined and humble servant of the people, and a representative of our youths whom you deemed fit to serve as your Deputy," added Mr Kapkea aged 34.
He pledged to serve with dedication for and not betray the trust the governor had on him.
He said his appointment as Deputy Governor is a message to young people everywhere.
"It is a clear testimony that with faith, hard work, resilience and a commitment to serve others, you will find opportunities to rise," said Mr Kapkea amid applause.
Justice Wananda presided over the event at the county headquarters in Eldoret City.
"To the residents of Uasin Gishu Count, I owe my deepest gratitude, and I pledge to serve with integrity, dedication, and loyalty to the shared vision we hold dear," said Mr Kapkea.
He lauded his predecessor Barorot for his significant contributions to the county.
"His dedication has left a lasting mark on Uasin Gishu, and I wish him great success as he embarks on his international career in the ICT sector," said Mr Kapkea.
"I promise to serve you and the people of Uasin Gishu diligently, upholding the values of this office," he added.
He also thanked the County Assembly of Uasin Gishu, led by Speaker Phillip Muigei, for their support and trust in him.
"Their confidence, shown through their unanimous approval, is inspiring, and I look forward to working with them to serve our county effectively," said the new Deputy Governor, also former Tembelio Ward Member of the County Assembly (MCA).
Governor Bii officially appointed Mr Kapkea as the new Deputy Governor following a court ruling on October 14.
Eldoret High Court Presiding Judge Justice Reuben Nyakundi ordered the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and Governor Bii to gazette Mr Kapkea as the newly appointed Deputy Governor of Uasin Gishu County.
Justice Nyakundi’s ruling mandated the IEBC to formally include Mr Kapkea’s name in the official Kenya Gazette notice as the newly nominated Deputy Governor of Uasin Gishu County, effective from the date of his vetting by the county assembly.
“The court has issued an order of mandamus directing the respondent administrative unit headed by the CEO to initiate the necessary instruments for the government printer to ensure that Evans Kapkea’s name is entered in the official gazette,” the judge ruled.
The County Government had taken legal action to compel the IEBC to gazette Kapkea following his nomination by Governor Bii and subsequent approval by the county assembly. The court denied IEBC’s request to delay the execution of the ruling.
