Taita Taveta governor Andrew Mwadime alias Wakujaa together with his deputy governor Christine Ruth Saru Kilalo have taken over the reins of power at the county after being sworn in today at Mwatunge Grounds.
Mwadime’s ceremony and oath of office was presided over by a High Court Judge Anne Ongijo.
Speaking during the event, The Taita Taveta Chief Magistrate Millicent Obura, ushered in the swearing in ceremony under the Act that provides governors-elect must be sworn in on the first Thursday after the winner is declared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
“On the 9th of August the people of Taita Taveta County exercised their civil rights and decided to vote for you as the Governor of our county. This swearing in is made by the gazette notice 9874 published on 17 August 2022,” Millicent said.
In his speech Mwadime thanked his supporters for choosing peace, love and development during and after the electioneering period.
“My administration will serve all without bias, it is time to build our county. I promise that we shall fight corruption and embezzlement of county funds. I also recognize the hard work of all workers in our county with that I will fasten all the payments as well to be paid on time,” Mwadime said.
In his preach for peace, love and progress Mwadime added that he is looking forward to his new job as a governor for 10 years in order to accomplish his plans for the youth, support small medium enterprises (SME’s)and women.
The deputy governor-elect Christian Kilalo expressed her gratitude and admitted that she is ready to work closely with Wakujaa.
“We have listened to your complaints as Taita Taveta residents and let’s all remember that we have a responsibility to push our county forward. Our governor will lead us to bettering our County and I know for sure that I will work closely with our Governor, and I promise that I will do my,” Christine added.
The ceremony was graced by Members of Parliament, Khamis Abdi Chome MP-elect Voi, Danson Mwashako Mwakuwona newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) Wundanyi, John Bwire Okano MP Taveta and Peter Shake MP Mwatate.
Taita Taveta Women Representative Lydia Haika. Taita Taveta Senator-elect Jones Mwaruma and all members of County Assemblies-elected.
Mwadime vied under an independent candidate, won the seat after trouncing Samboja, who has only served one term in office. Mwadime garnered 49,901 votes against Samboja’s 23,703.