Embattled Laikipia Governor Irungu claims donors to withdraw Sh1b fund if ousted

Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu at a past event. MCAs have started a process to impeach him. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • MCAs started the process of removing Mr Irungu from office accusing him of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
  • Mr Irungu said he would defend himself against the allegation.

Laikipia County risks losing more than Sh1 billion in project funding if MCAs impeach Governor Joshua Irungu.

Speaking to the Nation on Monday evening after a closed-door meeting with the MCAs at Green Hills Hotel in Nyeri, Mr Irungu claimed some donors have become jittery after the notice of the impeachment motion was issued last week.

He said the Water Services Trust Fund was about to embark on Sh400 million projects in the county while the National Irrigation Board would roll out a Sh200 million project.

Another project is the World Bank-funded Sh100 million food security programme for pastoralists in Laikipia North.

The Governor said the Food and Agricultural Organisation would also start operating in the county soon.

“I don’t know why people from Laikipia East are fighting me while most of these projects are based there,” Mr Irungu said.

He blamed the planned impeachment motion on his political rivals who are not happy with his development projects.

MCAs started the process of removing Mr Irungu from office accusing him of gross misconduct and abuse of office.

Mr Mwangi Maruga of Umande Ward said the governor had violated Constitution, the Public Procurement and disposal Act, and the Public Finance Management Act.

Mr Irungu said he would defend himself against the allegation.

“Why are these issues coming up when we are roads in Nyahururu town and installing streets lights all over Nanyuki town?” he said.