Senator, governor clash at church function

A funds drive organized in aid of a church in Tharaka-Nithi County turned into a political battle between Governor Samuel Ragwa and Senator Kithure Kindiki, who poked holes into each other’s development record.

The two were meeting for the first time since Mr Ragwa appeared before the Senate Public Account Committee and was put to task over a myriad of county issues.

Prof Kindiki accused Mr Ragwa of misappropriating public funds, initiating unrealistic projects and issuing fake cheques to institutions.

He cited the restocking of rivers with fish fingerlings and a decision by the county government to buy snakes meant for the establishment of a park.

According to him, the projects were meant to siphon off public money in the disguise of development.

“It is a criminal offence punishable by law to issue fake cheques and the county government should be held responsible,” said Prof Kindiki.

His ally, Chuka/Igambang’ombe MP Muthomi Njuki, also accused the governor of lacking any tangible development project. He also accused the governor of stealing public funds.

The county boss, for his part, accused the senator of a political witch-hunt and being a rumour-monger “who has caused discord in the county”.

He said Prof Kindiki was using lies against him to remain relevant in the county’s politics after the senator failed to deliver on his promises.

“The senator is drunk with frustrations after realizing that he has failed to fulfill the promises he gave to the people of Tharaka-Nithi and they are annoyed with him,” said Mr Ragwa.

Mr Ragwa got backing from Prof Kindiki’s rival for the Senate seat in the 2017 elections, Kiambi Kiriiri, who accused the senator of failing to lobby for development projects despite his influential position as senate majority leader.