Murang’a Deputy Governor finds office demolished 3 days after Governor Mwangi Wa Iria survived impeachment

Murang'a Deputy Governor Gakure Monyo in his office after he found its demolition in progress yesterday. Monyo said he was not aware of the renovation. [PHOTO: BONIFACE GIKANDI/STANDARD]

Muranga, Kenya: Three days after Governor Mwangi Wa Iria survived impeachment, Murang'a county is on the brink of another crisis following the demolition of the deputy governor's office.

Fresh controversy stalked Iria yesterday when his deputy Gakure Monyo reported for work only to find his office demolished by contractors assigned to convert it into a Cabinet office.

Mr Monyo found all his personal effects on the floor. The enraged Monyo ordered the two builders out of the office, claiming he was aware of the motive "to intimidate him after he fell out with the governor".

"Poor governance has prevailed in Murang'a. My office has been put under refurbishment without my knowledge, which is a clear indication of lack of dialogue and consultations," he said.

The deputy governor has been accused of supporting members of the county assembly who tried to unseat Iria by passing an impeachment motion.

Later, his official vehicle was intercepted by the police on grounds he was using private registration numbers. Officers from the Government Vehicle Control Unit ordered Monyo's driver to follow them towards Nairobi for further investigations.

Two years ago, county governments' officials were ordered to remove private number plates from the vehicles.

Yesterday, Monyo tore into the governor, saying he should convene a crisis meeting to help resolve challenges facing the county. "This is a form of intimidation that will not scare me from seeking good governance for the Murang'a people," said Monyo.

 

He said he would continue operating from the shell of what used to be his office until the elections are held as he is not an appointee of the governor.

Further, Monyo was shocked to find the entrance he shares with the governor blocked and under construction. "If this is the consequence I face for seeking good governance, I'm ready to suffer," said Monyo.

In a rejoinder, the governor said he ordered for total re-organisation of the offices to ensure the county secretaries are in control of their departments and monitor their activities.

"Officers who feel disturbed by re-organisation of their offices should resign as he was committed to quality service delivery to the public," said the governor.

Speaking to The Standard on phone, Iria said the re-organisation will ensure the county officers will be operating from the respective department and not from the headquarters. "I'm not at war with anyone," said Iria.