Former Meru councillors demand Sh1.5million as gratuity

A group of former councilors from Meru and Nyambene are demanding Sh1.5 million compensation for "their toil and dedicated service" to the people.

The over 200 civic leaders who served in the defunct county councils claim they were entitled to a 'reasonable' gratuity after working hard to lay the foundation for devolution.

In a petition to the Meru County Assembly, the former councilors said they were living in poverty, and asked for a one-off payment of Sh1.5 million.

Led by Chairman Stephen Kaberia and Coordinator Robert Ntonjira, the councilors have also asked for a monthly stipend of Sh30, 000 to cushion themselves against the harsh economic times that befell them after the 2013 General Election which ushered in devolution.

Mr Kaberia said they were a disillusioned lot because the national government had abandoned them, yet they should be credited for building hospitals, schools, factories and other infrastructural projects.

"County governments could not have taken off successfully had it not been for the assets they inherited from councils. They are just continuing what we started. It is a pity that while MPs had gratuity we who initiated everything do not have a pension," said Kaberia.

Ntonjira is calling on President Uhuru Kenyatta to and intervene.