Insulted and dismissed underdog wins Speaker’s seat

By ERIC WAINAINA

Nairobi, Kenya: When human rights lawyer Gathii Irungu declared his interest in the position of Kiambu County Assembly Speaker two days after the impeachment of Nick Ndichu, many regarded him a joker.

In fact, his critics, including social networks lovers, dismissed him, some which bordered on character assassination.

“You cannot use the words sober and Gathii in the same sentence,” a fan posted on the United States of Kiambu Facebook  fan page, a vibrant county social network, which is dominated by debates on county development and politics and which the newly appointed Speaker is a member.

Gathii ignored the insults and instead concentrated on wooing the “hardline” Members of the County Assembly.

After two weeks of campaign, Gathii triumphed over four candidates in the elections which took place two weeks ago, garnering 56 of the 84 votes cast.

Gathii, who has been practising law for 20 years is known to be a man who interacts with everyone at any given time.

He says many mistake his humility and easy-going nature for “inability”.

“After work, I have been mingling with the commoners even in local entertainment joints because I am one of them having been raised in an average family. Probably that’s why some thought I could be a joker, but I am a serious man. There are different leadership styles. It would be unfair for someone to compare my style with someone else’s,” Gathii told The Standard on Sunday.

New status

Aware of his responsibilities, he says his intentions would be to fight for the assembly’s independence, create a link between the electorate and the House, and enhance members’ welfare and virtues.

Gathii, who unsuccessfully contested the Ruiru parliamentary seat in last year’s polls, says he had taken interest in the position last year.

He says he is not used to the status that comes with the position — riding in a classy Mercedes Benz, having a driver and a bodyguard.

“I was surprised when after I was sworn in, I was directed to the official car that was waiting at the parking lot with a driver. I had come with my car and I was not aware of such protocols neither was I used to them. I will mingle with the commoners but will respect my new status,” he said.

Aware of the predicament, which befell his predecessor, Gathii says Kiambu MCAs should expect something different.

Other than making what he calls “Solomonic decisions”, he says he will extend his professional knowledge and experience to safeguard the independence of the county assembly.

 “I will chair a board that has the majority and minority leaders as members and I will ensure they will be part of the decision making because even one has his or her role including the MCAs, who represent the millions of Kiambu residents,” he says.