I am open to cordial relations with assembly: Governor

In Nyeri, those who love Governor Nderitu Gachagua do so with a passion. But his critics have only bile and hatred for him.

And yesterday was no exception: When news sunk that the Senate had voted to retain him, supporters celebrated but critics called for the Senate to be abolished. The county chief spoke to Nation’s Central regional editor Guchu Ndung’u after the verdict about his fights with MCAs, who he thinks funded them and the way forward.

Q: How do you feel after the failed impeachment bid?

I just feel normal. I knew it wouldn’t go anywhere as we have done nothing wrong. I’m also glad the whole Senate, not a committee, discussed my impeachment; nobody can claim I bribed senators. My clearance is not only good for Nyeri but my character.

Q: You have fought with MCAs for the past year, and now MPs. What is your problem with elected leaders?

I have no problem with them. We had a good relationship with MCAs and our differences were minor. But they started getting instructions and funding from ex-Mathira MP Ephraim Maina. That is when matters got out of hand. We could talk about county issues during the day, then they would hold meetings at night and everything would change. For MPs, I do not know why they are fighting me.

Q: Why would Mr Maina fight you?

I don’t know. When he beat me for the Mathira seat in 2007 I let him work. He should also let me work and we meet in the ballot in 2017.

Q: But MCAs say you are arrogant and your administration is graft-ridden. MPs claim you go around parading their rivals in your meetings.

That is hot air. On MCAs, my stand is a matter of principle. On the budget stalemate, MCAs altered the budget and the changes exceeded what was provided in the law. I could not sign an illegal budget which even the public was not consulted as the law says. Refusing to give in to intimidation is not arrogance. The Senate, a neutral body, has investigated and cleared me of any wrongdoing. Neither do I have any corruption case in court; so, graft is not an issue. As for MPs, have they ever come to my meetings and were locked out? Some of them fail to attend functions and then blame me. All I can tell MCAs and MPs is that they should prepare for the real impeachment by Nyeri residents on August 8, 2017.

Q: Do we expect a purge in the Assembly to get rid of your opponents in key offices or committees?

I have no powers to purge the Assembly; only MCAs can change their leaders. And I have no need for vendetta and vengeance. I am ready to work with the County Assembly in a respectful and tolerant atmosphere. Let us engage each other without insults and intimidation. Even County Executives are ready to appear before them, but not to be insulted and harassed. There must reciprocity; they respect me and I respect them. The Speaker should also ensure my allies in the House are given the respect they deserve.

Q: Salaries may delay and services, especially health, are grinding to a halt due to the budget stalemate.

My plea to the Assembly is to pass the budget as we proposed and if they have any issues, we can address them in the supplementary budget. The people of Nyeri should not suffer because of issues that can be resolved easily.

Q: The impeachment also raised issues such as the high number of acting CECs and the competency of the acting County Secretary.

Were it not for court cases and government procedures, some of these positions would have been filled. It is a process and we will fill them. But there is no vacuum and I am confident in the ability of those working.