MPs call for reconciliation between Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua and MCAs

Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua addresses residents along Gakere Road, June 9, 2016, moments after he conducting an inspection tour of the Sh 42 million rehabilitation of the Nyeri open air market. He castigated a Majority of the Members of the County assembly who snubbed his tour saying that the bad blood between them was as a result of his opposition to the allocation of a Sh 90 million health club within the precincts of the assembly. PHOTO: MOSE SAMMY/STANDARD

Four MPs have asked Governor Nderitu Gachagua to end the political animosity between him and MCAs.

Mutahi Kagwe (Senator), Kabando wa Kabando (Mukurwe-ini), Peter Weru (Mathira) and Kanini Kega (Kieni) said residents wants leaders to work as a team.

Mr Kabando said a move by some MCAs to table an impeachment motion against Mr Gachagua was unnecessary.

While handing out a Sh15 million education bursary to needy students in Mukurweini, Kabando said: "Our MCAs should stop the unnecessary see-saws. Their proposed impeachment of the governor isn't useful to anyone at this stage, nor is it prudent. It is untimely and stale."

He urged Mr Kagwe to intervene before things get worse.

"Condemning wars from a far is not effective. He (Kagwe) should lead the reconciliation. Nyeri has for long been in news for only petty squabbles. I request Gachagua and the MCAs to reach out for peace," he said.

But Mr Weru disaggreed, saying the two parties do not need Kagwe's intervention but should be driven by the best practices of governance to reconcile and serve the people that elected them. Mr Weru said all leaders were elected by voters and should, therefore, respect each other.

"Mutual respect is what will make devolution succeed," he told The Standard via phone.

"Nyeri should be in national news for great issues, not violent altercations. If we leaders don't act now, ongoing fights will degenerate into a very dangerous electoral episode," Kabando said.

After several MCAs were assaulted, Kagwe issued a statement condemning the attacks and expressed disappointment that the disagreement had escalated to physical altercations.