Kiambu MCAs storm governor’s office to protest delay in issuance of bursaries
Members of the Kiambu County Assembly (MCAs) stormed the Governor’s office to protest delays in the issuance of bursaries and other development activities.
The ward reps staged a sit-in outside the county headquarters after they failed to meet governor Kimani Wamatangi who was not in his office and vowed to stay put until he addresses their issues.
Charging that bursary committees were being formed at the ward level without their knowledge or involvement, they accused Wamatangi of usurping the role of MCAs.
They also decried the poor state of feeder roads in the wards which they claimed have remained unrepaired despite the assembly passing a budget of Sh 100 million for the purpose.
Talking journalists, the 60 elected MCAs from various parties and independents also questioned Wamatangi’s style of leadership, accusing him of undermining them by using his foundation and cronies to reach the grassroots.
Led by the Assembly Leader of Majority Geoffrey Mucheke, his Leader of Minority counterpart Joe Kigara and Deputy Speaker John Njiru, the MCAs said they had no personal beef with the Governor, but asked him to address the issues.
They told the Governor to de-link his office from the Wamatangi Foundation which they claimed he was using to reach the grassroots, in the process bringing them to loggerheads with the electorate.
The leaders said they are concerned that schools are about to open in about two weeks and are still in the dark as far as bursaries are concerned, yet our people have been pestering them over the funds.
"We represent the people at grassroots level and the governor should choose whether he wants to work with us or go it alone," said Grace Hinga from Kabete ward.
Wamatangi could not be reached for comment on phone, but a source close to his office said the MCAs were being incorporated in the bursary committees.
“Legally they are not supposed to be involved in the process, but it is being done as a goodwill,” said the spokesperson who also refuted claims that the Foundation was being used to carry out county functions.
Kennedy Odhiambo of Kahawa Sukari and Lawrence Mwaura from Ting'ang'a ward said MCAs are required to write to the Governor for roads in their areas to be repaired.
"Even when you want a blown bulb from street lights changed, you must go to the Governor's office. This is preposterous!" said Odhiambo.
Mwaura, who is the education committee chairman, accused Wamatangi of playing all roles including those of County Executive Committee members, MCAS and Chief Officers.
He accused Wamatangi of undermining devolution which is the epitome of President William Ruto's Bottom-up approach to development.
Macharia Wambui of Limuru East claimed that the governor was working with illegal groupings and was still in campaign mode by having his pictures donned in county vehicles.
