Leaders condemn Iria over water row

Murang'a Governor Mwangi wa Iria before the Senate County Public Accounts and Investment Committe to answer audit queries on 17/05/19. [Boniface Okendo,Standard]

Leaders in Murang’a have accused Governor Mwangi wa Iria of frustrating Principal Secretary Joseph Wairagu on implementation of water projects.

The leaders asked the governor to let others work as they are mandated to fast-track development projects.

MPs Peter Kimari (Mathioya), Joseph Ngugi (Gatanga), Mary Waithira (Maragua), Moses Kuria (Gatundu South) and Kikuyu elder Jackson Mutugi spoke at Kangari polytechnic in Kigumo yesterday.

Last week, Iria accused the PS of playing politics as the Government has blocked residents in Gatanga from using water stored in Ndaka-ini dam.

Iria is opposed to water being channelled to Nairobi, claiming Murang'a people do not have adequate water.

They accused Iria of attacking Wairagu, whom they described as a leader committed to projects that will end water shortage in Murang’a.

Water towers

They regretted that the county government tried to block Betty Maina, a director at Athi Water Service Board, from holding a thanksgiving ceremony at the grounds.

The function also conceded with launching of Greening Kenya Foundation aimed at planting trees in water towers and conservation of environment.

Armed policeman patrolled Kangari market following fears that allies of Iria would disrupt the function.

Waithira asked the governor to respect other leaders and give them space to implement projects.

“The county government should work with Water ministry to ensure Murang’a gets enough water,” said Waithira.

Kimari said sideshows in the county government should be a thing of the past as leaders need to work together for completion of projects that will transform the living standards of our people.

Ngugi said Murang’a people were in support of leaders who will work towards ending their suffering.

Kuria said he was shocked that Murang’a leaders were fighting over water.