Kiambu Governor William Kabogo under siege as Waititu, Senate strike

Kiambu Governor William Kabogo: He is facing rebellion over his leadership style. [PHOTO/STANDARD]

Kiambu, Kenya - When he shifted his base from Nairobi to Kiambu, Kabete MP-elect Ferdinand Waititu told voters that his ultimate goal is to oust Governor William Kabogo in the 2017 General Election.

He even gave ultimatums that Mr Kabogo must move county headquarters from Thika to Kiambu.

However, it is perhaps Mr Waititu’s thunderous victory earlier this week that sent shivers down the governor’s spine.

Mr Kabogo has since ordered at least three county ministers to shift offices from Thika to Kiambu.

But the governor’s woes appear bigger than just Waititu complicating the political landscape in Kiambu given that the Senate yesterday suspended the controversial Finance Bill championed by the county government. This means the same cannot be implemented until the Senate lifts the ban.

Kabogo’s problems appear to be piling as lawmakers for his county discredit his leadership style, which they argue has caused residents more pain and suffering instead of improving the economy.

Kiambu political leadership has over the last few months put the county government on the spot over hiked business permits and licence fees and at the same time, taking the county government headquarters to Thika town instead of Kiambu as designated by the Transition Authority (TA) and failing to honour Senate summons on accountability.

The Senate committee on Finance and Devolved Government are scheduled to separately visit Kiambu County next week on a fact-finding mission to establish cause of constant demonstrations by residents and the decision by the governor to defy TA and put up the headquarters in Thika Town.

Headquarters

Devolution committee chairperson Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo/Marakwet) confirmed to Senate that they will visit Kiambu next Tuesday to deliberate on the matter and promised to issue a comprehensive report.

“The issue of the county headquarters is important. We are going to the county to investigate why the county government decided to disobey TA’s directive,” said Mr Murkomen.

On taxation, the senators want to know why the county government introduced new levies.

According to a letter addressed to Senator Kimani Wamatangi (Kiambu) by clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye, following his statement sought on the matter in the House, indicate that the committee on finance has resolved that the levies imposed be put on hold.

The committee chaired by Senator Billow Kerrow (Mandera) resolved to visit Kiambu County to access the situation.

Mr Nyengenye said: “Members of the Finance committee will hold consultative meeting with the leadership of the county on Monday next week. On Tuesday, the committee intends to hold public hearings on the same matter in Thika Town, Kiambu Community Hall and Wangige market.”

Mr Kerrow affirmed that the committee has decided that the levies imposed by the county be put on hold until the matter is resolved.

“As a committee, we are directing the county government of Kiambu to suspend the application of the laws until we are satisfied that it meets the requirements of the Constitution. On Monday, we are in Kiambu and we will address this matter,” he said.

He explained that under section 161 of the Public Finance Management Act, any finance Act by a county government must be forwarded to the Treasury so that it complies with Article 207 in terms of economic interests, business environment and others.

But Kiambu Finance County executive Mary Nguli dismissed Senate decision terming it as unconstitutional saying the matter has been determined by the court.

No to Senate

“What Senate is doing is illegal and unconstitutional. The Senate mandate with respect to County Finances only extends exercise oversight over national revenue allocated to the County Governments as per article 96(3) of the Constitution. This is an issue that has already been determined by a Court of competent Jurisdiction.

“Secondly the Senate cannot suspend an Act that has been passed lawfully by a County Assembly. Thirdly, the Petitions relating to the Kiambu Finance Act are pending in Court. The Senate has already been notified of the same. The Senate Standing Orders no. 92 prohibit the Senate from making reference to any matter which is subjudice until the matter is heard and determined,” said Nguli.