Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua's supporters beat MCAs opposed to him
What you need to know:
- The MCAs had attended the event at Kabaru Ward in solidarity with Majority Leader Duncuan Gituanja.
- This was after word went out that he would not be allowed to speak at the opening of a road in his ward by the governor.
- MCAs who refused to leave were beaten and their cars stoned.
- Wamagana MCA Jesse Kamuri accused the governor of inciting violence against the ward reps.
The supremacy battle between Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua and members of the county assembly went physical Monday, with a group of men whipping and driving away more than 25 ward reps at an official function.
The MCAs had attended the event in Kabaru Ward in solidarity with Majority Leader Duncuan Gituanja after word went out that he would not be allowed to speak at the opening of a road in his ward by the governor.
Mr Gituanja is a friend-turned-foe of the governor’s.
But when the MCAs arrived and proceeded to one corner of the grounds to consult ahead of the governor’s arrival, their rivals pounced on them.
“You were supported by the governor and now you are fighting him over money and just chasing tenders for yourself instead of repairing roads,” shouted one of the attackers.
MCAs who refused to leave were beaten and their cars stoned.
BURLY MAN ARRESTED
Others were whisked away to safety by the police, who arrested a burly man in a hat over the chaos.
Wamagana MCA Jesse Kamuri accused the governor of inciting violence against the ward reps.
Two hours later, Mr Gachagua arrived and tore into the MCAs, accusing them of causing confrontations.
The majority leader was not allowed to speak.
“They have opportunities to call their meetings; they will not dictate how I will run mine,” Mr Gachagua said.
He added that he would continue to launch development projects in the 31 wards of the county with or without the MCAs’ approval.
MCAs and the governor have been at war over the use of funds and the fate of Sh6 million meant to be channelled to each ward.
The governor has accused MCAs of nepotism during tendering.
