President Uhuru Kenyatta lashes out at greedy leaders

President Uhuru Kenyatta is received by Rebeccah Wanjiru Mwicigi during the funeral of her husband, George Ndung'u Mwicigi in Gatanga, Murang'a County. President Uhuru, while at the funeral yesterday, censured elected leaders over what he described as lack of servant leadership. (PHOTO: MAXWELL AGWANDA/STANDARD)

President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday censured elected leaders over what he described as lack of servant leadership.

The President said that Kenyan leaders yearn for huge salaries but fail to deliver services to the people.

Speaking during the burial of former MP and Assistant Minister George Ndung’u Mwicigi in Kirwara, Murang’a County, President Kenyatta accused leaders of going against the wishes of their people who want to see services being delivered.

Basing his argument on the diligence and integrity that was exhibited by Mr Mwicigi during his tenure as Kandara MP, the President said the late MP went the extra mile when he sourced funds privately to initiate the Kandara Water Project, which even attracted the attention of his father, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.

“He did not go to seek funds from Mzee Kenyatta and his government. Instead, he sourced funds from other channels independently and initiated a project, which became a model in the entire country and all other leaders came to Kandara to take lessons on how to establish such projects in their areas,” he said.

Improve lives

Uhuru took time to read an excerpt from Mwicigi’s eulogy which highlighted the MP’s endeavours  to serve and improve his people’s lives.

“Mwicigi started the revolutionary Kandara water project in 1970-71 by sensitising the community on the importance of piping water directly to homesteads. He embarked on resource mobilising internationally in Germany, United Kingdom and Canada for this ambitious project...He rounded up groups of women and youth to provide the labour by pointing out that they more than anyone else stood to benefit from piped water as they would be spared the drudgery of fetching water daily. The women would later quip that Mwicigi saved the youth from curses,” read the President.

He said the project became a national showpiece and the water was fondly referred to as Maai ma Mwicigi (Mwicigi’s water).

“If we all devote our lives and do what leaders did those days, we will produce the best country ever. He worked with dedication for the people of Kandara and brought mega projects when he earned a meagre salary of about Sh10,000,” he said.