Makueni boss reshuffles Cabinet over incompetence

Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has shuffled his government, sacking one county minister in a bid to improve service delivery.

The tough talking Governor relieved the Transport and Infrastructure Executive Committee Member Molly Kamene of her duties for what was attributed to incompetence.

Finance Executive Committee Member Alidan Mbinda takes over the docket in an acting capacity.

Also sent on compulsory leave in the shake up are six county chief officers: Augustine Kitheka (Education), Daniel Mututa (Water), Joseph Matuu (Lands and Urban Planning), Director of Enforcement Christopher Munguti and his deputy Philip Nzei.

The fate of Information, Communication and Technology Executive Member Cecelia Mutua remains unknown as her docket was given to someone else. Chief of Protocal Gloria Katheu was transferred to the education docket in an unspecified position.

Health Executive Member Mulwa Mutava moves to Water but will remain in Health in an acting capacity. Outgoing Water Executive Member Jacobas Kiilu was moved to the Agriculture docket.

Outgoing Agriculture boss Ruth Kyatha takes over Education, replacing Kawive Wambua who moves to the newly created department of Devolution and Public Service.

 Incompetence complaints

Prof Kibwana said the changes followed complaints of incompetence. He put the entire county government workforce on notice, saying they will be fired if found engaging in any form of malpractice.

Kibwana's deputy Adelina Mwau welcomed the changes, which she said were aimed at ensuring Makueni residents get value for their taxes.

The leaders assured residents that the impending dissolution of the county government would not affect service delivery. Kibwana said he and his deputy are ready to leave office if the Senate recommended it to the yet to be constituted commission of inquiry.

"My deputy and I are sailing in the same boat as the electorate. We shall still be governor and deputy after the by-election in case the county is dissolved," said.

Last month, Kibwana asked Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to support the dissolution of the county government, saying there was no other solution to persistent wrangles between the Executive and county assembly.