Meru leaders now welcome Francis Muthaura ’s appointment

By Munene Kamau and Kathure Mukuru

Meru, Kenya: Meru County leaders have cautiously welcomed the recent presidential appointment of parastatal heads.

Speaking during an end-year meeting at Kinoru Stadium, they appeared to strike a conciliatory tone after the initial objections that greeted the appointment of former Civil Service head Francis Muthaura as chairman of the Lapsset Project Board.

“When you get one person from Tharaka Nithi and one from Meru County is not enough because these are two counties and Meru alone has other sub tribes,” said Meru governor Peter Munya.

Speaker after speaker from the Meru County made a sudden about-turn and distanced themselves from the opponents of the appointment.

Those spear-heading the criticism of the appointment attracted the wrath of hundreds of wananchi present at the daylong celebrations held at the famous Kinoru stadium.

“Why  should sections of Meru  elected leaders castigate the appointment of one of our  own instead of appreciating the good gesture so that the Government can consider (appointing) more  from our midst,” wondered Phares Rutere, Nchuri Ncheke’s secretary-general.

Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi, who has strongly opposed Muthaura’s appointment, changed tune and instead called for equitable distribution of positions.

Senator Kiraitu Murungi told the cheering gathering that he was constitutionally positioned to represent political interests of the entire Meru County.

“Unity amongst our leaders is very important and we are going to support any development projects for the improvement of our people,” said Kiraitu.

Kiraitu castigated those against Muthaura’s appointment as the Lapsset chairman and reminded them that the former Head of the Civil Service was instrumental in the formation of the economic and social council, which laid the basis for the railway project.

“Muthaura’s appointment is informed by skills and experience in his possession and that he is well placed to elevate the project, which is actually his brainchild to the next level,” said Kiraitu.

Governor Peter Munya who hosted the fete told the gathering the President is empowered by the Constitution to appoint and fire.