Gachagua's fireworks work up assembly

Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua is in trouble with Members of County Assembly yet again—this time over firecrackers.

The assembly has formed a committee of the whole house to probe the governor following complaints that he has been using fireworks while launching his projects.

The MCAs claim that Gachagua's fireworks during the launch of projects in villages had made expectant mothers to miscarry.

Through a request for statement, nominated MCA Keziah Waruinu said that Gachagua and his officers exploded fireworks in Mukurweini West ward while launching the street-lighting programmes.

"They used fireworks which caused loud noise and flashing lights that caused a large number of people in the area to suffer from shock-related symptoms such as fainting and loss of consciousness," Ms Waruinu said.

She told the assembly that in some extreme cases, some pregnant women miscarried due to the loud noise.

The MCAs said that elderly men and women who had never heard or seen such as spectacle were left in disbelief and will need counseling.

"Mr Speaker, the loud sounds resultant from the event was responsible for the loss of the ability to hear and speak for one elderly lady in the vicinity of the event who was so frightened because she was not aware that this was a county-sponsored event and not a terror attack," Waruinu added.

However Gachagua said the accusations were laughable and accused the MCAs of being envious of his projects and his different approach to launching projects.

"Fireworks have been used for decades in this country and these allegations are laughable because this is the first time they are causing side effects," he noted.

He said the MCAs were either mischievous or lacked exposure because some of them have never travelled past Nyahururu.

"Most of the residents were happy with the fireworks display. The fanfare was to mark a key achievement. The launch of streetlights will continue," said Gachagua.