Leaders dismiss claims of 'Kiambu-mafia' machinations

Suspended Transport Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau addresses the Press after he was mentioned in graft list.

Central leaders have dismissed claims that the intrigues surrounding the suspension of Transport Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau are a reflection of the legendary cartels that influenced national leadership in the 1970s.

The leaders said Nyeri County enjoys an intimate relationship with President Uhuru Kenyatta, noting that the troubles facing the CS date back to retired President Mwai Kibaki’s administration, when Kamau served as a permanent secretary.

Nyeri politician Rigathi Gachagua and area Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP) chairman Wambugu Nyamu refuted claims that ‘mafia’ cartels were behind Engineer Kamau’s tribulations and warned against spreading animosity between leaders in the region.

“People should not bring back the politics of 1970s. We are a new generation who do not differentiate who is from Nyeri, Kiambu or any other place in Kenya,” said Mr Gachagua, a brother to Governor Nderitu Gachagua.

He said there are no differences between leaders in the two regions, noting that Nyeri people support the President and his administration.

“We are happy with the development projects the President has helped initiate in Nyeri and the entire Central province. Anybody citing differences may be having personal problems and should not drag Nyeri into their issues,” he said.

He cited the multi-million shillings lighting projects in Nyeri, Karatina and Mukurweini. Others are various road projects, the subsidised electricity connection fees, as among attractive developments President Uhuru has initiated for the benefit of Nyeri people.

PERSONAL WAR

Gachagua said Engineer Kamau is being investigated on matters that were conducted in his ministry when he was still a PS under Kibaki, saying the issues do not have anything to do with President Kenyatta’s administration.

“He was mentioned in the list that was released by the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Director of Public Prosecution’s office recommended his prosecution,” he said.

Mr Nyamu warned leaders against politicising war on corruption, saying the CS should be left to defend himself. “He has been mentioned and charged in court and there is nothing we can do to help him. He has himself and truth he holds to be cleared,” said Nyamu.

They also castigated MPs who voted against nomination of Dr Monica Juma as the Secretary to the Cabinet, saying they betrayed the trust the electorate had on them.