Protestors Block Governor Wamatangi Road After Fallout With MP
Kenya’s Kiambu The continued escalation of Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s problems has provoked the ire of his constituents.
On Saturday, protestors ignited bonfires and blocked the unpaved road leading to Governor Wamatangi’s residence with stones.
The protestors attributed the poor development record of the current administration to a dispute between Wamatangi and Kabete MP Wamacukuru James Githua. Notably, the local legislator is responsible for road maintenance.
The imminent El Nino, as forecast by the weatherman, has caused particular concern among the local populace. They expressed concerns that the ongoing leadership disputes among the county’s leaders will divert them from their mandate to ensure the road is maintained.
Residents expressed concern that, if El Nino occurs as predicted, the road will become impassable based on its current trajectory.
“We’ll not just standby, we want the MP to repair the wrote. We do not care about his fallout with the Governor,” lamented a protester.
“We’do not want a fight. We don’t care who is supposed to repair the road whether it is the MP or the County Government,” added another.
“Wamatangi and Wamacukuru should not implicate us in their fights. Every person campaigned on their terms and we elected both of them in their respective positions,” another complained.
In a statement, the Kenya Meteorological Department warned that Kenya should anticipate above-average precipitation in portions of the country during the months of October-November-December.
It is anticipated that the precipitation will cause floods that will displace entire communities.
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David Gikungu, director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, cautioned that the Central highlands typically register the highest seasonal precipitation amounts (over 700mm).
Wamatangi Strife
Wamatangi has been on the defensive against other Kiambu County leaders in recent months, compelling Deputy Governor Rigathi Gachagua to convene a reconciliation meeting.
Members of the Kiambu County Assembly objected to Wamatangi’s decision to issue bursaries directly to the parents of ward residents.
The MCAs opposed the motion requiring the governor to provide Ksh1,000 and Ksh2,000 to those who attended one of the events at the beginning of September. At this particular event, chaos broke out, compelling him to flee for safety.
The leaders were dissatisfied with the Governor’s leadership style alleging that he was not involving other leaders in the management of the county’s affairs.
Reports of a dispute between Wamatangi and President William Ruto over a parcel of land in the nutrient-rich county surfaced shortly thereafter.
The Governor vehemently denied that Ruto reprimanded him during a meeting at Sagana Lodge, despite reports to the contrary. According to the reports, he refused to give over three parcels of land, including two in Thika Town.
“The parcels of land I am holding on to in Kiambu, I said none will be grabbed by anyone. You have stolen a lot of parcels and you can not do that any longer,” he insisted.
The MCAs are currently contemplating filing an impeachment motion against the county chief because his decisions have alienated important county leaders.
Protestors Block Governor Wamatangi Road After Fallout With MP
