Ngilu accuses Kiema of peddling lies

By Mutinda Mwanzia

Water Minister Charity Ngilu has accused Mutito MP Kiema Kilonzo of misleading the public she is opposed to the creation of Kyuluni District.

"The MP should learn to speak the truth over issues. He surely knows where the problem is and should stop peddling lies," said Ngilu.

Meanwhile, Internal Security Minister George Saitoti has called a meeting for Kitui District MPs at Harambee House tomorrow to discuss the row.

Those invited include Ngilu, Kiema, Charles Nyamai (Kitui West) and Isaac Muoki (Mutomo). Ngilu confirmed there is a meeting but said only Kitui District MPs would attend.

"We do not want any other MP from Mwingi, Machakos, Makueni or even Kangundo in our meeting. It is a Kitui District affair," she said.

She added: "I am a firm proponent of the creation of more districts but they should be done after consultations with local leaders and residents," said Ngilu.

She said Kisasi, Mbitini, Thua and Mbusyani locations had been hived off her constituency to the proposed Kyuluni District without residents’ consent.

New districts

On Friday, Kiema led 30 councillors in a press conference in Nairobi where they hit out at the minister accusing her of using her influence to have the district degazzetted.

On Saturday, Ngilu showed the Standard on Sunday documents on how a Kitui District Development Committee (DDC) meeting on January 12 recommended the subdivision of the district into three administrative units.

She said the leaders unanimously agreed on the creation of Kitui Central, Mutitu and Kitui West districts.

She added Kiema was pushing for an entire location to be hived off her Kitui Central constituency for political reasons.

She dismissed a demonstration planned by Kiema against her in Kitui next week.