Munya comes under attack as leaders seek county development report

What you need to know:

  • Last week, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich said his ministry had not finished ‘fine-tuning’ the regulations for the fund when he appeared before the Senate Finance Committee.
  • Led by Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi, the MPs and ward representatives who accompanied the Speaker to the fundraiser took a swipe at Mr Munya who is also the Council of Governors chairman over alleged double speak on various issues affecting the Meru people.

Leaders from Meru County on Sunday tore into Governor Peter Munya's leadership style, accusing him of curtailing development.

Led by Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi, the MPs and ward representatives who accompanied National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi during a funds drive at Blessed Virgin Kangeta Catholic Church in Igembe Central, Meru, on Sunday also accused Mr Munya of alleged doublespeak on various issues affecting the Meru people.

Mr Murungi, MPs Mr Mithika Linturi (Igembe South), Mr Kubai Kiringo (Igembe Central), Mr Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East) and Woman Representative Florence Kajuju put the governor on the spot, accusing him of stagnating development by fighting other leaders.

Mr Murungi, who is said to be interested in the governor’s seat, said they would continue to ask for accountability from the county administration.

“Those making noise because we are asking for transparency should continue doing so. You voted for us so that we work for you. Politics is not a beauty contest but what you do for the people,” he said.

The senator said there is need to have a harmonious working relationship with the national government.

Last week, Mr Munya accused the government of failing to help miraa farmers to find an alternative source of livelihood after the stimulant was banned in the United Kingdom (UK).

“President Uhuru is a frustrated man. He wants to work but he is not let to. He formed a taskforce to look into the miraa issue but a court case suspended its work. But I am happy to report the case has been withdrawn,” he said.

Mr Linturi said: “We have to tell people the truth. I have been on local media stations and I will continue with this campaign to tell Meru people the truth because we cannot stand lies anymore.”

Ms Kajuju and Mr Kiringo said even after they pledged to work with the governor, there are fears the infighting continues to stifle development.

“He should stop playing cheap politics. Time is coming when all leaders will accountable for what they did when in office,” said Ms Kajuju.

WATCHDOG FUNDS

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi has challenged senators to be prudent in utilising watchdog funds, after MPs approve a supplementary budget next week.

“I can confirm here that the money is factored for monitoring. We have given them money, the supplementary estimates which are coming next week have that money to enable senate come and monitor what is being done,” he said.

He spoke during a fundraiser

Senators have been pushing for the Sh300 million allocation saying they were not able to perform their roles because of lack of adequate facilitation.

Last week, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich said his ministry had not finished ‘fine-tuning’ the regulations for the fund when he appeared before the Senate Finance Committee.

“Governors should know senate is coming. When they see them (senators), they should not cry foul because Article 96 stipulates that senate should oversee how the monies allocated to them are utilised,” Mr Muturi said.