In a bold move, the Members of County Assembly (MCAs) in Kiambu County have given Governor Kimani Wamatangi a stern 21-day ultimatum to appoint County Executive Committee (CEC) officers or face imminent impeachment. This ultimatum comes after a prolonged standoff between the MCAs and the Governor over the formation of a comprehensive Cabinet for the county.
The MCAs have expressed their frustration at what they perceive as the Governor’s disregard for their requests to establish an all-inclusive Cabinet. The absence of CEC officers has left critical governance positions vacant, which has hindered the smooth operation of the county administration.
Furthermore, the MCAs are demanding that Governor Wamatangi urgently appoint managers for the six municipalities in the county. Failure to do so, they warn, could jeopardize funding to the tune of Ksh. 1.3 billion annually from the World Bank, which is at stake for these municipalities.
Julius Waweru, MCA for Kiganjo, passionately remarked, “Gavana amerejea kazini na angekuwa ametupa hayo majina sisi kama County Assembly tupitishe hayo majina. Tunaongea kuhusu Chief Officers walioacha kazi ambao tunafaa kuwa tumewapitisha hadi wa leo lakini mwaka umeisha na hatuna Chief Officers katika Kiambu.”
In addition to their demands regarding CEC appointments, the MCAs are urging the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to launch a comprehensive investigation into the utilization of public funds during Governor Wamatangi’s tenure. They have cited numerous concerns about how these funds have been managed.
The MCAs have made it clear that they are prepared to take action if the Governor fails to address their grievances. Paul Macharia, MCA for Limuru East Ward, emphasized, “Nataka nihakikishie Wanakenya na hasa Wanakiambu kwa jumla, Gavana yale matendo amefanya kwa hii county yetu, si mambo ya kufaidi wanainchi. Ni kupora na tukona grounds zile tutatumia tuhakikishe Wamatangi ameenda nyumbani.”
Ruth Waithira, MCA for Githiga Ward, affirmed, “We have issued our ultimatum to the Governor that if he doesn’t shape up, we will proceed and file a notice motion of impeachment to the County Assembly of Kiambu.”
Kamau Boro, the Kikuyu Ward MCA, joined the chorus of discontent, stating, “We rise to condemn the failure of Governor Wamatangi. Since he took office in 2022, the Governor has been operating county affairs as a personal kiosk with little respect as to the importance of County Assembly.”
The clock is ticking for Governor Wamatangi, as the MCAs stand firm in their demand for action within the 21-day ultimatum, making it clear that they are prepared to take the necessary steps to ensure that their grievances are addressed.
