Meru governor offers husband two county jobs as she unveils Cabinet
Meru County Governor Kawira Mwangaza has appointed her husband Murega Baichu to two county jobs.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, September 30, Mwangaza named Baichu as the Patron of the Meru Youth Service and Meru Hustlers Ambassador.
Mwangaza made the declaration while unveiling members of her Cabinet.
The county boss, however, clarified that Baichu will not be on the county's payroll for the roles assigned on Friday.
The appointment, however, sparked a debate on social media with a section of Kenyans criticizing the governor for mixing county affairs with family.
After Mwangaza's swearing-in last month, Baichu has been accompanying the governor to many county events and meetings, attracting criticism from a section of members of the public.
But the two lovebirds have remained unshaken, dismissing those unhappy with them as political enemies.
“ I will not be intimidated by people who are out to bring us down because there is no constitutional law that bars the first gentleman or first lady from accompanying the governor in public meetings,” Baichu said.
Kawira had attributed her poll victory to her husband's support.
Speaking after being declared governor-elect, Kawira attributed fifty per cent of her win to a “ magical guitar” played by her musician husband in campaign rallies.
She promised to reward him with a precious gift for his support.
“ My husband’s guitar is magical and amazing he always carried it and played it to the people in every rally and meeting. People loved to watch and listen to the music he played praising me and the people of Meru. I can say 50 per cent of my win was contributed by the instrument and I cannot forget him he has always been beside me years back even when we had nothing,” Kawira said.
The 48-year-old politician, who won on an independent ticket, also disclosed that the musical instrument had kept their relationship flourishing during their dating days and after marriage.
In an interview with People Daily Digital, the talented artiste said since he had no money to offer his wife for campaigns, he decided to offer the guitar and sing for her in the rallies to entertain the crowd and soothe her mind after a tiresome day.
Baichu said he used the same tool to help his wife win the Woman Representative seat in 2017, unseating prominent lawyer Florence Kajuju.
Mwangaza names Cabinet
Among those appointed to Mwangaza's Cabinet include Japhet Ndumba Ithiji who has been nominated to the Physical Planning and Urban Development docket and James Kiambi Athiru (Water & Irrigation).
Mwangaza appointed Murungi James Muthomi to fill the Transport and Energy docket, Esther Karimi Njeru (Trade and Industry) and George Gikunda Mungania (Health Services).
KBC presenter Monica Kaithiori Kathono was also lucky to get a nomination to the Finance ministry while Caroline Kaberia (Agriculture, Livestock Development & Fisheries) and Casty Kaimuri Micheni (Youth Gender and Sports).
Others are Dickson Munene Nkanata (Legal Affair Public Service), Ethane Thuranira Joseph (Education & ICT), Athiru Simon Thuranira (Chief Legal Advisor), Dennis Muriungi Mugambi (Chief Medical Advisor), Gitonga Harrison Gatobu (Chief of Staff ) and finally Miriti Rufus (County Secretary and Head of Public Service).
