Civil society divided over plot to axe Taita-Taveta governor Mruttu, MCAs

John Mtuta Mruttu, The Governor Taita Taveta County flanked by Peter Kubebea, National taxpayers chairman. [Photo: WILLIS AWANDU/STANDARD]

VOI: Civil society groups in Taita-Taveta County are sharply divided over a plot by some local activists to send home the county government.

Some of the human rights activists said they have already withdrawn their support for the collection of signatures so as to facilitate the removal of Governor John Mruttu and Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), saying the process has been hijacked by disgruntled and greedy elements.

SIGNATURE COLLECTION

Those supporting the initiative claimed they had already collected 7,255 signatures and were now targeting about 12,000, which they say they intend to use to write a petition to the president seeking to dissolve the county government.

Taita-Taveta Human Rights Watch County Coordinator Haji Mwakio, who is leading the plot, said yesterday the electorate are tired of endless wrangles among the executive and the county assembly, a trend that has adversely affected service delivery.

He disclosed that 16 civil society groups including key Muslim and Christian groups are supporting the initiative.

"We have done our social audit and found out there is nothing tangible to show in terms of development, and that is why we want the county government dissolved to pave way for fresh leaders who will steer the county to greater heights.