Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga on Thursday nominated Caroline Wanjiru Karugu as his deputy.

The nomination, however, awaits the vetting process and subsequent approval by the county assembly.

The final decision by Governor Kahiga to pick his deputy comes on the heel of intense lobbying for the seat with losers in the August 2017 elections having tried to seek redemption.

Among those who were eyeing the seat are former governor Samuel Wamathai, Athi Water Services Board chairman Wachira Keen and former Woman Rep Priscilla Nyokabi.

ALSO READ: Mudavadi's ANC suffers blow after latest decision

Also reported to have contacted Governor Mutahi Kahiga seeking to be his assistant is National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Vice-Chairperson Irene Njeri.

Lobbying began in earnest immediately Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen announced that he will table a Bill seeking to enable a governor appoint a deputy should the seat becomes vacant.

The deputy governor’s seat fell vacant after Mr Kahiga took over as governor following the death of the county’s third governor, Wahome Gakuru, in a tragic crash at Kabati in Murang’a along the Nyeri-Nairobi highway.