Waiguru responds to MCAs’ push for her impeachment

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru says impeachment plans against her by area MCAs won’t succeed.

Speaking at the County Headquarters in Kutus Tuesday, March 31, Waiguru said the MCAs’ priorities currently are misplaced, given the country is undergoing the COVID-19 crisis that requires the ward reps’ input more than where they have placed their energies on --impeachment motion.

On Monday, a formal impeachment suggestion against Waiguru prepared by Mutira MCA, Kinyua Wangui, was received by County Assembly Speaker, Anthony Waweru Gathumbi. The removal plan will be formally filed on Wednesday, April 1.

And while speaking to journalists after donating hand-washing tanks at the County Headquarters in Kutus, the governor said the MCAs are fighting her over non-issues, instead of joining hands with her to serve Kirinyaga constituents. The county boss said one of the biggest problems now facing Kirinyaga residents is the COVID-19 outbreak, which should be addressed urgently.

Waiguru is said to enjoy support from six MCAs, with 27 reported to be against her leadership.

The anti-governor MCAs say they will, on Wednesday, April 1, introduce a motion of no confidence against Waiguru.

The MCAs are accusing the county chief of misappropriating public funds, flouting procurement procedures and undermining the County Assembly powers, among other issues. Waiguru is also accused of solely making decisions likely to impact on the county government’s finances without involving the MCAs, contrary to Section 30 of the County Government Act 2012.

“The governor’s failure to comply with Section 30 (2) (f), (j) and (k) of the County Government Act 2012 not only undermines the power and the authority of the County assembly to offer oversight and approve various developmental plans but also greatly clogs the wheels of the Wanjiku’s oriented development in Kirinyaga County,” reads a part of an impeachment motion by Mutira MCA, Kinyua Wangui.

Besides overstepping her authority, Waiguru is accused of irregularly awarding County Government tenders to companies and persons she has a cordial relationship with.

One of the tenders that has resulted in the governor facing wrath from the MCAs is that of the upgrading of Kagumo Market. The tender was prepared on December 20, 2018.

The other tender that the MCAs claim was unprocedurally awarded was that of the acquisition of a Ksh15 million governor’s official car.

Waiguru’s deputy, Peter Ndambiri, was absent when the governor was addressing journalists Tuesday. Ndambiri is said to have fallen out with Waiguru after she allegedly accused him of siding with the MCAs who are planning to kick her out.

The six MCAs, who are pro-Waiguru, vowed to thwart any plot of impeaching the county boss.

Governor Waiguru said her administration will release at least Ksh45 million meant for bursaries, and, therefore, the ward reps “do not have any reason to politicise the matter”.

A group of pro-Waiguru supporters accused Interior Principal Secretary, Karanja Kibicho, of sponsoring the governor’s planned ouster.