More county bosses feel the heat as ward reps flex muscles

Embu governor Martin Wambora (left) and his lead counsel Wilfred Nyamu during a senate special session to decide on his impeachment on February 14, 2014. PHOTO | JENNIFER MUIRURI

What you need to know:

  • Kakamega MCAs have given Governor Wycliffe Oparanya a one-week ultimatum to release Sh10 million he promised for development.
  • In Kwale, fresh wrangles have emerged over the decision by deputy Governor Fatuma Achani to hold on to the position of executive in charge of transport and infrastructure.
  • In western Kenya, several governors have been put on the spot over their stance on expenditure of funds.

The ruling of a Senate committee on the ouster of Embu Governor Martin Wambora may make or break county bosses facing rebellion from hostile assemblies.

By sending Mr Wambora home, governors may become hostage to their tormenters which would in turn make the management of counties a daunting task.

A survey by the Saturday Nation revealed that 11 governors had at one time or another had issues with Members of County Assemblies over a myriad of issues. Only time will tell whether such scenarios will become the order of the day.

The fear is that even in situations where the governor has no problems with the assembly, those opposed to him may instigate his ouster through MCAs.

In Kwale, fresh wrangles have emerged over the decision by deputy Governor Fatuma Achani to hold on to the position of executive in charge of transport and infrastructure.

Tana River Governor Hussein Dado also recently survived an impeachment bid by a splinter group in the Assembly who accused him of employing chief officers from one tribe.

In Mombasa, Governor Ali Hassan Joho has had problems with MCAs over the destruction of billboards in the town. They also accused him of working with a section of the members to pass oppressive laws at night and trying to remove traders from Kongowea market.

It has not been smooth sailing for Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi either. Some ward representatives have accused him of mishandling the Athi River Mining Company pollution issue at Bondora in Kaloleni.

Governor John Mruttu of Taita Taveta County is facing off with members over several issues including the Education Bill, which he has refused to sign.

In Elgeyo-Marakwet, accusations and counter-accusations characterise the relationship between the executive headed by Governor Alex Tolgos and the Assembly. Several crucial Bills including the Finance Bill are still pending in what the governor claims is sabotage by the Assembly to derail his agenda.

In western Kenya, several governors have been put on the spot over their stance on expenditure of funds.

Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma has been put to task for his stance over a proposed waste management programme that he has refused to endorse.

Acrimony between Governor Ken Lusaka and county reps in Bungoma over the appointment of chief officers is threatening to cripple operations. Already, the Assembly has rejected two out of the three officers who appeared for vetting.

Kakamega MCAs have given Governor Wycliffe Oparanya a one-week ultimatum to release Sh10 million he promised for development. The county reps are also pushing for Sh1 million for bursaries in their wards.

In Narok, Governor Samuel Tunai is fighting with members who accuse him of employing outsiders at the expense of locals.