Governor Gachagua and Nyeri assembly majority leader reconcile after public brawl

Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua (left) and Kabaru MCA Duncuan Gituanja hold hands in prayers in Kimahuri, Kieni, after a leaders’ meeting on May 31, 2016. Mr Gituanja declared he had reconciled with the governor following a confrontation between their supporters earlier in the day. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Gachagua directed Mr Gituanja to reinstate Gakawa Ward MCA Amos Kanyai as head of the Roads committee.
  • Attempts by the MCA to decline Gachagua’s request explanations were met with jeers from the governor’s supporters.

Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua on Monday reconciled with assembly majority leader and Kabaru Ward Rep Duncan Gituanja.

The detente came hours after an angry confrontation between MCAs and Mr Gachagua's supporters as a supremacy battle between the two sides escalated.

However, some MCAs protested Mr Gituanja's gesture, insisting that he had been forced to apologise against his wish.

“Our majority leader was cornered and forced to make a certain declaration. He promised to make changes that are in breach of the standing orders,” said Wamagana MCA Jesse Kamuri.

At a function held in Kabaru Ward on Monday night, the governor insisted that Mr Gituanja confirm to the residents that he would support his government and stop fighting embattled acting Secretary Alice Wachira.

“Come and confirm to the people that you will not fight me or the county secretary.

“You cannot gang up against me yet I campaigned for you to get that seat. You must respect me,” he said.

He directed Mr Gituanja to reinstate Gakawa Ward MCA Amos Kanyai as head of the roads committee after he was ousted during a reshuffle of heads of committees plotted by the majority leader in April.

JEERS FROM GACHAGUA SUPPORTERS

Attempts by the MCA to decline Gachagua’s request were met with jeers from the governor’s supporters.

“If you do not reinstate the chairman you overthrew, I promise I will not work with the new chairman. He is not welcome in my office,” said the governor.

Mr Gituanja had reorganised the assembly committees in what he called a move to eliminate ward reps opposing development projects in the county.

During the Monday meeting, Gachagua’s supporters demanded that Mr Gituanja declare his support for the governor.

At the same function, opponents eyeing the ward seat were given a chance to speak.

“I apologise to (you) the Governor for saying spiteful statements that have hurt you.

“Whether I get the Kabaru seat or not, I will always be your friend,” Mr Gituanja said amid jeers from the governor’s supporters.

SUPPORT GACHAGUA PROJECTS

He said he wished to work closely with the governor and support his projects across the county.

Meanwhile, the Nyeri County security committee Tuesday condemned the Monday brawl in which 25 MCAs were beaten up and ejected from a function attended by the governor.

They said leaders who paid goons to beat up the reps would be arrested.

Nyeri County Commissioner Onesmus Musyoki, the committee’s chairman, said investigations into the ugly confrontations were under way and those found culpable would face the law, regardless of their status.

“We know hired goons were used and we will get to the bottom of this.

“Anybody who gave out money to youths to fight will be arrested. Their status will not matter; the law applies [equally] to every individual,” said Mr Musyoki.