Makueni County leaders praise President Uhuru's 'Solomonic decision'

Makueni leaders have praised President Uhuru Kenyatta for rejecting recommendations to dissolve the county.

County assembly Speaker Stephen Ngelu described the President's move as a 'Solomonic decision' that has saved the people of Makueni unwarranted agony.

"The President has made a 'Solomonic decision' and this reflects true leadership. Leaders in the county should now come together and embark on service delivery," said Ngelu.

The speaker, who strongly opposed dissolution of the county government during his submissions at the commission, said President Kenyatta had allowed the county to continue with its programmes undisturbed.

"Leaders must also learn to sit together and dialogue when there is a problem," he said.

Nzambani Member of County Assembly Cosmas Nzilili thanked the President for giving the people of Makueni 'victory'. "The people of Makueni have won. The President has proved to be a true friend of devolution. The petition was the work of a few disgruntled people and did not merit any attention," Nzilili noted.

He said the county assembly, which opposed dissolution of the government, had been vindicated; adding that dragging the county through such a rigorous process was wrong.

"The whole saga was driven by hatred and people who do not believe in dialogue," he said.

Nguumo MCA John Mwenze said the President had offered a political solution not only to Makueni but to the rest of the counties.

"The President's decision is wise. If the county had been suspended and eventually dissolved, that would have set a bad precedent since other counties experiencing problems would also have sought dissolution, which is an expensive affair," he said. He added it was a win-win situation for both the proponents and opponents of dissolution. "Those who wanted the county dissolved got their victory through the commission. Those who opposed got theirs through the President. I think everybody is comfortable now," he said.

Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jnr said the debacle was now a closed chapter and leaders must set their eyes on development. "The law gives the President such powers. The law as framed does not give the Senate an avenue to disagree or agree," he said. The senator however said Senate would follow up on other recommendations of the commission such as individual(s) found guilty of certain offences who needed to be prosecuted. Governor Kivutha Kibwana and his deputy Adelina Mwau did not pick our calls or respond to text messages.