Kirinyaga county governor Ann Waiguru on Tuesday appointed county education CEC James Kinyua Mutugi as her running mate.

While unveiling him as her deputy, Waiguru described Mutugi as a diligent achiever and a civil servant who has demonstrated illustriousness in his current capacity.

In addition, Waiguru said the appointment will help strike gender and more so regional balance in the leadership positions.

"Since I got my current governor (Peter Ndambiri) from Mwea East in the 2017 general election. I have this time found it suitable to get my August 2022 running mate from Mwea West," She said.

Speaking in Wamumu, Waiguru expressed optimism that Kinyua will make a competent deputy governor should they clinch the governor's and deputy governor's seats respectively.

Mutugi is not new to politics as he previously served as Wamumu ward MCA between 2013-2017 before being nominated to the position of county education CEC in 2017.

On his part, Mutugi expressed his gratitude for his appointment and pledged to continue being loyal to the governor and demonstrate servanthood and result-oriented leadership.

"I'm indeed humbled for picking me to serve as your running mate from among so many eligible candidates. Thank you for demonstrating your trust in me and I promise you that I will not let you down but will continue being humble and loyal to you," he said.

In equal measure, he thanked the Wamumu ward electorate for electing him in 2013, a position he disclosed propelled him to a higher position of a CEC.

"I promise to pay up the favour by mounting a vigorous campaign that will enable us to secure the seat for a second term."