By WAINAINA NDUNG’U
Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua of the Grand National Union appears set for the first showdown with The National Alliance dominated County Assembly.
This was after the Assembly blocked a move by the county executive to convert the only municipal health centre in Nyeri town into office space for county executive members.
On Tuesday, Nyeri County Assembly halted the discussion on the Governor’s speech to discuss urgent business as moved by the Leader of Majority Anthony Mwangi Kibuu.
Mr Kibuu of Gatitu ward claimed the move to convert the Nyeri Town Clinic into offices had the blessings of the Governor.
“I have information that a committee of the county executive has proposed conversion of the clinic, which caters for poor members of our community,” Kibuu told the assembly.
Speaker David Mwangi Mugo put the matter to vote after telling members Kibuu had filed a notice to halt discussions on Gachagua’s inaugural speech.
Although Kibuu could not command the 20 members required to discuss the “urgent and definitive matter of importance,” the Speaker advised members to move a motion to exempt the motion from the requirements of the mandatory numbers.
The Majority leader’s attempt to table minutes of the county executive meeting that had proposed the move on the clinic were, however, overruled by the Speaker who said the document was not signed.
Members then deliberated on appointing a committee to probe the planned conversion while at the same time moving a motion dissociating the Assembly with any attempts to alter the clinic’s existence.
Former Nyeri mayor Edward Muteru said the county executive had alternatives such as the municipal yard to host the executive offices. Other members opposing the shifting of the clinic included Baragu Mutahi (Kimathi) and Paul Waruru (Aguthi/Gaki).
