Elgeyo-Marakwet deputy governor: My office has not been funded since 2023

Elgeyo-Marakwet Deputy Governor Grace Cheserek has revealed that her office has not received any funding since 2023, hampering her ability to fulfill her duties effectively. In an interview with a local media station on August 21, 2026, Cheserek stated that she had raised this issue as early as 2023, but it remains unresolved. She described the lack of administrative support and dedicated budget as a persistent challenge, noting that she was frequently viewed as a potential political threat rather than a collaborative partner upon the appointment of cabinet members and chief officers.

Cheserek highlighted that she is often excluded from decision-making processes for county projects while being held accountable for their outcomes. In an attempt to address the systemic issue, she and her colleagues in the deputy governors' caucus have approached the Senate, advocating for amendments to the County Governments Act to clearly define the roles and protections of the deputy governor's office.

This move comes after Senator Samson Cherargei expressed concern over the treatment of deputy governors, describing them as often relegated to ceremonial roles rather than substantive responsibilities. Cherargei cited his own county as an example, where the deputy governor lacks respect and recognition, is sidelined in county affairs, and even in succession politics despite her interest in running for governor.

The governor has not endorsed her. This issue also arose after Cheserek publicly disagreed with her boss during a public event, urging him to extend the respect due to her office.