Wamatangi, MCAs clash over control of bursary funds

Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi (left), receives a County Logo from outgoing Governor James Nyoro, during his swearing-in ceremony on August 25, 2022. [File, Standard]

Political differences between Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) appear to be far from over.

The power struggle between Wamatangi and the MCAs nearly turned ugly at PCEA Church in Membley Estate on Tuesday during an event presided over by the governor.

This followed Wamatangi's decision to issue cheques to parents of the eight wards in Ruiru constituency.

The MCAs, including Kennedy Odhiambo (Kahawa Sukari), Zack Macharia (Kiuu), Brian Sinne (Wendani), John Kamande (Gitothua), Kimani wa Nduta (Biashara), and Donna Kendi (Mwiki), objected to the move.

Chaos erupted when Gatongora MCA John Njogu and his colleagues demanded that the governor start the event by giving Sh1,000 or Sh2,000 to everyone present.

The programme was briefly interrupted when some youth marched to the event grounds to stop the issuance of the cheques.

Wamatangi was forced to move the people to a separate location within the church before handing the cheques to them.

He also pleaded with the youth to remain calm and cautioned them against being used by politicians.

"I committed to work with leaders who also want to work for you, including MCAs, as long as they have people's interest at heart," Wamatangi said.

MCAs, however, argued that the governor was assuming roles that ought to be performed by them. This latest push and pull follows Wamatangi's decision to take over the management of the county bursary kitty.

This dispute comes months after Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua met with Kiambu legislators to prevent the planned impeachment of Wamatangi earlier this year.