Anxiety in Nyeri County over Governor Nderitu Gachagua's absence

Nyeri, Kenya: Anxiety is growing in Nyeri County over the prolonged absence of Governor Nderitu Gachagua from the public scene.

The governor was last seen in public on December 12 last year when he presided over Jamhuri Day celebrations at Dedan Kimathi grounds in Nyeri town.

There is talk on the ground that Mr Gachagua is undergoing treatment in the UK but this has not been confirmed by his office nor the nature of the ailment disclosed by family.

Lack of an official statement from the family and the county government on his health status has not helped the situation fueling speculation and disquiet among the local residents.

So sensitive and closely guarded is the matter that even laid back Deputy Governor Samuel Wamathai declined to respond to inquiries by The Standard yesterday.

Mr Wamathai yesterday chaired a cabinet meeting at the county headquarters but remained tight-lipped even on the agenda.

He told this newspaper he had nothing to say about Gachagua’s absence or whereabo

On Tuesday evening, there was acrimony during a session of the local county assembly after members demanded a more comprehensive statement about the governor’s whereabouts and health status.

Trouble started immediately after the Leader of Minority Nderitu Karere (Ruguru ward) read a three paragraph report stating that the governor had traveled to the UK for medical tests and care.

After an emotional and acrimonious debate of over one hour, Speaker Mwangi Mugo ruled that the report given by the minority leader was the official position saying that the issue cannot be debated without a substantial motion.

Yesterday, two Nyeri MPs, Esther Murugi (Nyeri town) and Kanini Kega (Kieni), asked the family of the governor to issue a comprehensive report on the health status of Gachagua to end the anxiety.

“While we urge all of Nyeri to pray for the governor’s healing, his electorate are entitled to know his health status without any delays,” said Ms Murugi.

“The governor is a public servant and wananchi are entitled to know about his health status always,” Kega Mr Kega said.

Debate subject

His absence has been a subject of debate in social gatherings, public barazas, churches and the latest being the local county assembly where tempers flared as the matter was discussed.

Apart from the residents, the local leaders have also joined the debate demanding immediate answers about Gachagua’s health status and his long absence from office.

Although his wife, Margaret Gachagua, has informally said Gachagua has been undergoing medical tests abroad, it has not put the matter to rest.

Since the constitution has no clear provision of how long a governor can be absent before he can be replaced, it is his deputy who has been acting as contemplated in the supreme law.

According to the constitution, a governor’s seat becomes vacant if a holder dies, resigns or is convicted for more than 12 months.

Physical and mental incapacity is also a ground in which a governor can be removed from office.

James Muringo, a resident, also challenged the family of the governor to come out and shed light on the issue. He said he had voted for the governor and was is entitled to know about his health.

“We have entrusted a lot to our governor including our coffee under the county marketing pool initiative. We wish him a quick recovery as we expect so much from him,” he said.

He said he has not seen many development projects being initiated since the governor left the country in December. Only the deputy governor has publicly commented on the governor’s health, usually while offering his apologies at official functions.

Mrs Gachagua recently told the media her husband was well.