Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Hands Over Power to His Deputy as He Leaves Kenya

• Mandera governor Mohamed Adan formally handed over county leadership to Deputy governor Ali Maalim Mohamud
• The governor emphasised that the deputy’s powers during the acting period will be limited, specifically excluding authority to appoint or dismiss County Executive Committee members
• The handover complies with Section 32(4) of the County Governments Act, which restricts the acting governor from exercising certain constitutional powers reserved for the governor

Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya

Mandera governor Mohamed Adan Khalif has officially passed the baton to his deputy, Ali Maalim Mohamud, handing over control of the county for the next three weeks.

Why is Mandera governor handing over power?

According to a statement obtained by TUKO.co.ke, Mohamed said he is preparing to travel to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage.

"Now therefore, I do hereby designate H.E. Dr. Ali Maalim Mohamud, EBS, the Deputy Governor of Mandera County, to act as the County Governor during my absence, with effect from 28th May, 2025 until my return and resumption of duties," Mohamed said.

He added that although his deputy will step in during his absence, the scope of his powers will be deliberately limited, hinting at a carefully controlled transition.

Mohamed stated that his deputy will not have the authority to appoint or dismiss County Executive Committee members or other public officers whose roles are assigned to the governor.

"Further take notice, that in accordance with Section 32(4) of the County Governments Act, the Deputy Governor, while acting as Governor, shall not exercise powers that are restricted by the Constitution or any written law, including the appointment or dismissal of County Executive Committee Members or other public officers, as are assigned to the Governor," the statement further read.

Mohamed explained that the message is intended to ensure administrative continuity and support the efficient management of county affairs while he is away.

The governor’s action is rare, as it is uncommon in the country for a sitting governor to transfer power to their deputy.

Uhuru Kenyatta hands over power to Ruto

The only other notable occasion similar to Mohamed's was when former president Uhuru Kenyatta temporarily transferred authority to then-deputy president William Ruto.

This handover took place as Kenyatta prepared to travel to The Hague to appear before an international court.

Fast forward two years, and Kenyatta formally handed over the reins of government to Ruto, who emerged victorious in a closely fought and highly competitive general election.

The election results were initially disputed, prompting a legal challenge that was brought before the Supreme Court.

On September 2022, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling by upholding Ruto’s win, thereby validating the election outcome.

In response, Uhuru reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law and pledged to fully respect the judiciary’s decision.

He also committed to ensuring that the transition process would be handled swiftly and smoothly, with a focus on maintaining peace and stability during the transfer of power.

Kenyatta emphasised the importance of a peaceful handover as part of upholding democratic principles and fostering national unity in the country.

Source: TUKO.co.ke