Ward reps claim politician behind Murang’a governor’s woes

Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria

Political interests are to blame for the impeachment of Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria, some MCAs have claimed.

15 MCAs, who opposed the impeachment motion which sailed through on Wednesday evening, said the grounds listed to support wa Iria’s ouster are insufficient and would be rejected by the Senate.

In a press conference Saturday, the MCAs, led by David Kabaka (Kambiti) and Rosemary Wakuthie (Gaturi), claimed a local politician had sponsored their colleagues to roll out the impeachment process.

They said Murang’a County has in the past two years witnessed major developments, including the establishment of dairy and irrigation programmes that have direct impact on the community.

Sailed through

A motion by nominated MCA Mary Waithira, accusing the governor of gross misconduct, abuse of office, incurring unsustainable debts amounting to Sh2.5 billion, violation of constitution, received overwhelming support at the county assembly last week.

Kabaka, who is the assembly’s chief whip, said wa Iria’s appearance at the Senate will shed more light on his innocence and expose those sabotaging the county’s development agenda.

“Those who stood with the governor did on their own while the 34 who voted for his ouster had self-interests,” claimed Wakuthie.

But Leader of Majority Peter Kihungi, who supported the impeachment motion, told off the 15 MCAs, saying they had failed to defend Murang’a’s interests due to their ulterior motives.

“The public is aware of gross misappropriation of resources by the county government and there is need for action. The MCAs have oversight responsibility and at no time have they been ordered by any politician to act against the governor,” said Kihungi.