Nyeri, Kenya: Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua returns to work this week to face a basketful of challenges after a two-month sick leave during which he sought treatment abroad for an undisclosed ailment.
The governor faces a constitutional suit that was filed at the High Court in Nyeri challenging his capability to run the office, and a section of local MPs who are not happy with his leadership.
But a buoyant Gachagua expressed optimism that a solution to the problems would be found.
"In the course of my hospitalisation, I heard butchers were crying over the Revenue Administration Act, while bar owners moved to court. Let me assure you that I am back and from tomorrow (Monday), I will be sitting with my cabinet to ensure we rectify this law," said the governor.
He arrived in the country on Saturday and made a surprise tour of Karatina market.
Later that evening, Gachagua, his wife Margaret, brother Rigathi Gachagua and his daughters, Mercy and Susan, went to Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Karatina for a thanksgiving service.
Leaders, led by his deputy Samuel Wamathai, Nyeri Senator Mutahi Kagwe, Mathira MP Peter Weru and County Assembly Speaker Mugo Mwangi attended the service.
Of the eight MPs in the area, only Mr Weru attended the service. This is despite the fact that the MPS announced two months ago that they had resolved to work with Gachagua.
Mr Kagwe and Weru said they held a leaders' meeting last Tuesday during which they resolved to work with the governor.
The governor announced that the Grand National Union party of which he is the Secretary General, would fold and join the Jubilee Alliance Party.
Gachagua, who also took time to explain his stay in hospital in London, said he took time to pray for his health, his family, Nyeri people and his opponents.
"I was alone in my hospital bed for two months. I had a chance to talk to God," he said to a quiet congregation that filled the 1,000 capacity church at his home town church in Karatina.
"I heard about the rumours that were peddled by my detractors. I urge you to pray for them," he said.
The thanksgiving ceremony was presided over by Karatina Parish Priest Herman Kiboi who was assisted by Dr Anthony Munene, a lecturer at Karatina University.
Gachagua was last seen in public on December 12, last year, during the Jamhuri Day celebrations at the Dedan Kimathi Stadium in Nyeri. During his absence, his deputy, Wamathai presided over county events.
Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletter
One of the many hurdles the governor now faces is a constitutional challenge that was initiated last Friday by a local lobby group, Nyeri Social Forum, that moved to court seeking his removal on grounds that he is not physically able to discharge his duties.
The group claims that Gachagua is not medically fit to conduct the functions of the office of the governor, and said his illness had not been formally communicated by his administration.
Mr Kamau Gatwechi, who moved to court on behalf of the group, said the administration of Nyeri has been in disarray.
Gatwechi wanted the court to declare that Gachagua had deliberately and inadvertently absconded his gubernatorial duties. The lobby is also seeking interpretation of the law, to determine what period of time a deputy governor can act on behalf of the governor in his absence.
Gachagua and former Kibwezi MP Kalembe Ndile announced they would lead their party members to JAP.
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
join