Clerk alleges threats from civic leaders

By Paul Mutua

Embattled Kitui County Council clerk Michael Kimwele has recorded a statement with police following alleged threats by councillors opposed to his leadership.

The clerk told the police that a group of civic leaders led by council chairman John Mang’uye stormed into his office on Wednesday and warned him of “terrible consequences” if he failed to pack and leave.

He revealed that a councillor from Kitui West constituency, who was the team’s spokesman, told him that he should vacate the office to avoid a most “horrible thing”.

Kitui County Commissioner Moffat Kangi confirmed that Mang’uye came to his office and registered his discontent with the clerk and attempts to remove him.

bully him

Speaking to The Standard yesterday, Kangi said deployment of clerks in Local Authorities was the prerogative of the Permanent Secretary in the ministry. He said the PS and his ministry should resolve the matter.

However, he warned if there were any threats issued, it would be a police case.

Local OCPD Lillian Okembo mobilised her officers to camp at the offices. But this did not prevent the county chairman and several of his colleagues from going there.

Mang’uye called a press briefing in his office where he denounced Kimwele and the treasurer and declared them “unwanted at the council”.

But in a quick rejoinder, Kimwele said he would fight any effort to bully or scare him.