Moving on: New Kiambu governor urges leaders to unite

Residents of Kiambu dance after Kiambu Governor James Nyoro was sworn in yesterday. [Fedelis Kabunyi, Standard]

A new chapter was opened when James Nyoro was sworn in as the third governor of Kiambu County, replacing his embattled boss Ferdinand Waititu, yesterday.

Waititu’s impeachment was approved by the Senate on Wednesday night.

In his maiden speech, the new governor called for unity among all political leaders in Kiambu.

Nyoro promised to serve all Kiambu residents regardless of their political affiliation, adding that he would deliver development projects within the next 90 days.

He asked leaders to end divisive politics, squabbles and antagonism that have seen Kiambu lose its former glory.

“Let there be accountability and unity as we serve our people, we shall revive all dead projects from the ailing health sector to the impassable roads,” he said.

The ceremony presided over by High Court judge John Onyiego was attended by politicians and selected guests at the county headquarters.

Kiambu Chief Magistrate Patricia Gichohi officiated the ceremony that took 45 minutes.

Nyoro was accompanied by his wife Sarah Wairimu and son Brian Karanja and his siblings.

The governor said there was a plan to create Kiambu Advisory Council to oversee coordinated development projects.

He promised to create market for farm produce so as to create jobs for the youth.

Politics played out when Ruiru MP Simon King’ara and Kago wa Lydia of Githunguri walked out of the ceremony after they were jeered by the crowd and denied a chance to address the gathering as they were labelled members of Tangatanga team.

BBI drive

Nominated MP Maina Kamanda accused the two legislators of ‘disrespecting’ President Uhuru Kenyatta for failing to support the Building Bridges Initiative.

“King’ara and Kago respect our president, you should not shame him but support him as you come from Kiambu. We will not see our our county being sold out,” said Kamanda.

His sentiments were echoed by Kiambu Woman Rep Gathoni Wamuchomba who asked all leaders to support the president’s vision of uniting the country through the BBI.

The leaders criticised Waititu’s style of leadership and said he had made the county a laughing stock.

Nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura, Nyeri Deputy Governor Caroline Karugu, MPs Kamanda, Peter Mwathi (Limuru) Jude Njomo (Kiambu) Kago wa Lydia (Githunguri), Simon Kingara (Ruiru) and Wamuchomba were present.