Elgeyo Marakwet Deputy Governor Grace Cheserek has announced that she will not resign from her position despite a widening rift with Governor Wisley Rotich. In a phone interview with The Standard, Prof Cheserek stated that she had reflected on their working relationship and made a firm decision to remain in office and serve the people who elected her. She emphasized that she was given a contract by the people and has to finish it.
According to Prof Cheserek, her working relationship with Governor Rotich was better in 2023/2024, when they consulted regularly and shared a common understanding of how to advance the county's development agenda. However, things took a turn for the worse after 2024, and the partnership has never recovered. Prof Cheserek alleged that she has faced intimidation and a lack of support from the governor's office, making it difficult for her to effectively carry out her mandate as Deputy Governor.
Prof Cheserek further claimed that her repeated calls for supervision of health facilities without medicine were ignored, despite the suffering of residents who relied on public hospitals and dispensaries for treatment. She maintained that raising these issues was part of her duty, not an act of rebellion, and that she could not remain silent while residents were left without essential services.
As a result of the fallout, Prof Cheserek stated that she has stopped supporting activities linked to Governor Rotich's political activities, a decision she described as principled. She said that continued involvement would compromise her position on accountability and service delivery. Prof Cheserek emphasized that she will continue to call out any ills in the county government and speak up when things are not working.
Despite the rift, Prof Cheserek said she would serve her full term and continue pushing projects for residents, particularly those related to service delivery, accountability, and welfare. She stressed that the office of the Deputy Governor is a constitutional office, and she intends to fully exercise her responsibilities until the end of her term.
Prof Cheserek also highlighted the importance of protecting women from gender-based violence ahead of the 2027 polls. She said that political competition should not expose women to intimidation, harassment, or harm. Prof Cheserek announced that she would soon make a major statement on her political direction ahead of the 2027 polls, adding that she was still consulting widely before making her position public.
Efforts to get comment from Governor Rotich have been unsuccessful. Prof Cheserek's decision to remain in office and speak out against alleged irregularities in the county government has sparked mixed reactions. Her stance has been seen as a bold move, especially in a political landscape where deputy governors often work closely with their bosses.
Key points
- Prof Cheserek refuses to resign as Deputy Governor amid rift with Governor Rotich.
- She cites commitment to serve the people who elected her and vows to continue calling out ills in the county government.
- Prof Cheserek also highlights the importance of protecting women from gender-based violence ahead of the 2027 polls.
