Tharaka Nithi governor and senator clash at fete

Political rivalry between Governor Muthomi Njuki and Senator Kindiki Kithure (pictured) was laid bare when the two clashed publicly during the closing ceremony of Ura Gate Tharaka cultural festivals.

The event’s programme had Mr Njuki as the guest speaker during the event’s opening on Friday, while the senator was to officially close it on Saturday.

However, the two missed the opening of the festival, only to meet on the last day.

Trouble began after the event’s coordinator invited Prof Kindiki to speak and then invite the Governor. But Kindiki’s supporters protested the decision, creating confusion at the dais.

“The programme was clear that I was supposed to be the chief guest today and thus I should be the last to speak. The Governor refused to come to this event on Friday as per the programme and coming today is tantamount to provoking me,” said Kindiki.

The senator accused the county government of failing to allocate funds for the annual cultural event.

“This event started in a very powerful manner, but it has now gone down due to lack of funding. It is the responsibility of the county government to allocate funds for these events and the Governor should not leave this place before announcing an allocation for next year’s event,” said Kindiki.

But Njuki said sponsors willing to finance the event turned away when its planning turned political. Njuki mentioned several organisations that, he said, withdrew their support for the event, even as Kindiki’s supporters heckled.

He declined to announce the amount his government planned to allocate next year’s event, arguing that it would be the County Assembly to decide.

“No one should dictate to the father of the family when he should or shouldn’t visit his family. I have three constituencies to work for and deliver what we promised,” said Njuki.