Kirinyaga County has been thrown into mourning following the death of Veronica Waweru, the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member in charge of Education and Public Service.
Governor Anne Waiguru confirmed the news on Wednesday, October 1, through her social media accounts, describing Waweru as a principled and visionary leader whose service to the county spanned several critical portfolios.
Veronica Waweru’s journey
The governor praised her as a “figure of grace, intellect, and unwavering commitment to the people of Kirinyaga” and extended condolences to her family, colleagues, and friends.
“Her legacy of integrity and service will remain an inspiration to us all. May her soul rest in eternal peace.”
Veronica Waweru, a long-serving public officer, had also previously headed the Environment, Energy, Climate Change, Natural Resources, Water, and Irrigation docket.
Her work in those portfolios placed her at the centre of Kirinyaga’s development priorities, including water resource management, climate resilience, and environmental policy.
As CEC for Education and Public Service, Waweru oversaw devolved functions in early childhood education, county staffing, and human resource management.
Kirinyaga County’s agricultural economy relies heavily on irrigation and sustainable land use, and Veronica Waweru played a crucial role in programs aimed at strengthening water systems and protecting natural resources.
She is also credited for her earlier leadership in the environment and water portfolios, which marked a significant contribution to Kirinyaga’s policy framework.
Way Forward for Kirinyaga County
The news of Veronica Waweru’s passing quickly drew tributes from county officials, staff, and education stakeholders, many of whom credited her with bringing discipline and focus to public administration.
At the Kirinyaga County Hall, officials said they were awaiting further guidance from the governor’s office on interim arrangements for the Education and Public Service docket.
The vacancy leaves an immediate gap in county leadership, and according to the County Governments Act, the governor is expected to nominate a replacement for vetting by the County Assembly.
Until such a nomination is made, the role may be temporarily assigned to an acting executive member.
Details regarding the cause of Waweru’s death and funeral arrangements have not yet been released by her family.
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The governor’s office indicated that further announcements will be made in consultation with her family.
Tributes
Messages of condolences poured in from across the county and beyond.
“Veronica was a true servant of the people. Her work ethic and humility were unmatched,” wrote one county staff member.
“She was a mentor to many of us in the education sector. Her guidance and leadership will be sorely missed,” posted a local ECDE teacher.
“Kirinyaga has lost a gem. Veronica’s legacy will live on in the systems she helped build,” added a youth leader from Mwea.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. Her legacy of integrity and service will remain an inspiration to us all,” read a post by the Kirinyaga County News & Politics Facebook page.
Process of replacing a County Executive Committee (CEC) Member
When a vacancy arises in the office of a County Executive Committee (CEC) Member, whether through death, resignation, dismissal, or removal by the County Assembly, the Constitution and the County Governments Act, 2012 outline the replacement process.
The Governor forwards the nominee’s name and credentials to the County Assembly for approval.
- The Assembly’s Appointments Committee (or relevant committee) vets the nominee.
- Vetting includes examining academic and professional qualifications, integrity, experience, and suitability for the role.
- The committee then tables a report in the Assembly.
If the Assembly approves, the Governor formally appoints the nominee as a CEC Member, and they are sworn in.
If the Assembly rejects the nominee, the Governor must nominate another candidate for consideration.
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In the interim, the Governor may appoint an acting CEC from among the existing members to ensure continuity of service delivery.
This process ensures transparency, accountability, and adherence to constitutional requirements in county governance.
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