Residents: Former MP killed KCC, should not chair county board

By JAMES MUNYEKI

Former Ndaragwa MP Thirikwa Kamau has bounced back to public service.

Kamau, who at the height of his popularity served as the vice chairman of the Kenya Co-operative Creameries (KCC) is the chairman of the Nyandarua County Public Service Board.

In the 2002 General Election, Muchiri Gachara who went on to become an assistant minister, defeated Thirikwa.

His attempt in 2007 was equally disastrous as a newcomer, Jeremiah Kioni, walloped him.

After the 2007 attempt,  Thirikwa scaled down his ambitions and sought to be a ward representative in Shamata in the March 2013.

The people of Shamata, where Thirikwa was born and brought up, rejected him as their ward representative,  preferring a relative of his, John Gachari.

 Thirikwa’s elevation to the new role has sparked protests among some residents.

During the formation of the County Cabinet, speculation was rife that Thirikwa would be nominated but this did not happen.

Thirikwa’s appointment as chair of the board does not seem to pass unnoticed.

Residents opposed to his  new role argue that he was deemed corrupt, saying he had contributed to the collapse of KCC during the Kanu era.

“It is in the public domain that Thirikwa was one of the forces behind the collapse of KCC. He does not deserve to be appointed to any public office,” argues a resident who sought anonymity for security reasons.

The resident claimed the politician benefited himself and his allies with government property.

“Nyandarua relies heavily on the milk industry and the collapse of the dairy company affected us negatively. We suffered so much before the former President Kibaki came into power and revived it,” he says.

Yet others believe he should be rewarded for playing a key role in the TNA campaigns.

“He is a brave and brilliant politician who we cannot afford to lose,” says John Muraya.

However, Thirikwa dismisses those against his appointment as playing petty politics.

“I have never been charged with corruption and whoever has a case should come out with evidence. I am ready to serve Nyandarua people in any capacity,” he noted.

Other Executive Committee members were sworn in last week but it remains unclear when Thirikwa will follow suit.