Waiguru supporters clash with those of Deputy Governor Ndambiri, it is chaos

A press conference organised by supporters of embattled Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru ended in disarray Thursday, when constituents affiliated to Deputy Governor Peter Ndambiri stormed the briefing and demanded the pro-Waiguru rooters not to address journalists.

The governor’s people chose Defatha Village in Mwea Constituency as the venue of the press conference.

And just when they were about to speak to the newsmen, tens of youths wielding rungus and whips stormed the event, forcing the organisers and journalists to scamper for safety.

The disrupters talked tough, hurled dire threats and vowed to teach the pro-Waiguru supporters a lesson should they proceed to address the press.

At the time, the venue was in total mess: tens of people running in all directions, others gesturing aggressively and some trying to corner their opponents as the subdued lot fought to flee the scene. It was chaos.

The disrupters, who later identified themselves as pro-Ndambiri supporters, accused Waiguru of “hiring constituents to demonstrate against Ndambiri on Kirinyaga streets”.

“It is evident that Ndambiri has been undermined by Waiguru for long now. We have been meant to understand that she ordered the deputy governor’s office be closed and that Ndambiri shouldn’t access his workplace. We want to tell her that the DG is also loved in equal measure,” said one of the pro-Ndambiri supporters.

The aggrieved group further accused the county chief of not reining in her supporters, who “often insult Ndambiri on the streets during sponsored protests”.

“We want Waiguru impeached. And, it is not like the MCAs are not following lawful procedure in doing so, they are!” said another pro-Ndambiri rooter.

Waiguru’s supporters, however, denied all the allegations levelled against the governor, saying the anti-Waiguru onslaught was politically motivated, and there is no sincerity, whatsoever, in the quest to have her removed from office.

Led by one Michael Gitari, the governor’s people said Ndambiri has been silently and strategically pushing for Waiguru’s ouster so that he can occupy the gubernatorial seat. They accused Ndambiri of working closely with MCAs to ensure Waiguru is kicked out of office.

So vicious were the scenes that a section of Waiguru supporters openly used derogatory remarks to refer to Ndambiri.

The apparent fallout between Waiguru and Ndambiri played out last Tuesday (March 31), when Ndambiri skipped a water tanks-donation event presided over by Waiguru at the County Headquarters in Kutus Town.

On Wednesday, April 1, Mutira Ward MCA, David Kinyua Wangui, tabled before the County Assembly an impeachment motion against Anne Waiguru.

Wangui said the County Assembly resolved to remove Waiguru from the office of the County Governor of Kirinyaga pursuant to Article 181 of the Constitution.

He said the governor grossly violated the Constitution of Kenya by failing to deliver the annual State of the County address to the County Assembly.

Waguru was also accused of violating Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act 2015 by usurping the powers of the Accounting Officer and establishing an irregular tender evaluation committee composed of her partisan staff namely Pauline Kamau and Wayne Gichira.

The two, Wangui said, take direct instructions from the governor and alternate as chairpersons of all major tender evaluation committees, which "award tenders to the governors preferred bidders".

Wangui further accused the county boss of engaging in nepotism and favouritism in complete disregard of the provisions of the Law.

The MCA said the tender for upgrading Kagumo Market was awarded to Joames Investment Limited without following the due process but implemented by a different company, Master Rock Construction Company.

Waiguru was also accused of receiving allowances amounting to Ksh10 million for alleged foreign travel which she never undertook.

It is said Waiguru enjoys support of six MCAs, with 27 claimed to be against her.