Ndambiri renews attack on Waiguru yet offers to mediate budget standoff
By Githinji Mwangi
Outspoken Kirinyaga Deputy Governor (DG) Peter Ndambiri on Wednesday pointed an accusing finger to his boss Anne Waiguru over the impasse on the county's 2020/21 budget.
According to Mr. Ndambiri, Governor Waiguru is to blame for the current impasse which has temporarily grounded all county operations.
Addressing the press at PI town in Mwea Constituency on July 22, the DG accused the governor of chest-thumping when it comes to solving the current stalemate.
He warned Ms Waiguru that the Senate will not help her to bulldoze the assembly to bend to her wishes.
"I'm shocked by our governor she's running to Senate to get assistance when in the actual sense she's supposed to sit down with MCAs and come up with a solution which is acceptable to everyone" he noted.
He pointed out that the current situation has grounded to a halt health department putting the entire Kirinyaga County residents in danger of contracting the deadly Covid-19.
"All our health centers are grounded without drugs and health provided are disillusioned for lack of motivation or working without salaries. I'm calling on my governor meet with MCAs and solve the problem," he said.
Mr Ndambiri offered to mediate between the governor and the county assembly to resolve the current standoff.
"Instead of running to Senate, she should give me that opportunity to resolve the stalemate with MCAs. The county assembly needs just to be respected," he said.
On Monday, July 20, the High Court issued a temporary order suspending the implementation of the Kirinyaga County Appropriation Bill.
Justice Weldon Korir also ordered the Speaker of the county assembly Anthony Gathumbi not to authorize any withdraw from the county revenue fund until the matter filed in court challenging the budget estimate and appropriation bill is heard and determined.
Justice Korir also directed the Controller of Budget not to authorize any withdraw from the county revenue fund through the Integrated Financial Management System.
On June 30, 2020, the county assembly passed Kirinyaga County Appropriation Bill, which is meant to fund operations in the 2020/21 financial year .
The High Court order temporarily shut the operations of the county government at least until the matter is heard and determined.
