Uhuru and Ruto save embattled Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua

By KARANJA NJOROGE

Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua has been handed a political lifeline, following the intervention of President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto in the row pitting him against his county assembly.

Up to last week Mbugua’s political life was hanging by the thread and he risked the dubious distinction of being the first Governor to have a vote of no confidence passed against him.

Incensed by his decision to swear in County Government officers rejected by the chamber Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) had filed a motion seeking to impeach him. The motion which enjoyed the support of majority of the MCAs was  to be debated last week.

But two separate visits by the President and his deputy to Nakuru last week came as a blessing to the embattled Governor.

The Jubilee leaders took time to meet local leaders including the feuding governor and MCAs to sort out their differences.

Uhuru read the riot act to the leaders and asked them to put their house in order during a meeting at the Nakuru State House.

A visibly angry Uhuru is said to have told the governor, County Speaker Susan Kihika and majority leader Njenga Mwaura to bring to an end the disagreements in the county.

Uhuru, who met the leaders immediately after jetting into the county to open the Agricultural Society of Kenya show, ordered them to focus on development and avoid petty sideshows.

“You should from today henceforth work hand in hand and stop joining efforts with the Speaker  to derail the Governor,” the President reportedly told the majority leader.

 The same message was also sent by Ruto, who after attending a church service at St Gabriel Catholic Church two weeks ago,  asked MCAs to  stop their attacks on the governor.

Trouble

Mbugua ran into trouble with the county assembly after he went ahead to swear in six executive nominees and three others in the public service board despite being found unsuitable to serve. 

The nominees include former Nakuru DC James Mwaura who served together with Mbugua in the provincial administration.

Mwaura played a key role in the election of Mbugua and was a common feature in his campaigns as he traversed the county.

The vetting team found the 60-year-old provincial administration retiree unsuitable  on account of age.

Others found unsuitable but were sworn into office were Mary Kariuki (Lands, Physical Planning and  Housing), Stanley Chepkwony (Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries), Julius Ogeto (Health), Joseph Tonui (Education Culture Youth  and Social Services), Pollyne Owoko (Information, Communication Technology and E- Government)  and Mary Waiganjo (Public Service).

Uhuru and Ruto view Nakuru as a county of paramount importance to the Jubilee alliance as it is where the triumphant coalition was launched at a colourful ceremony last December.

“Nakuru is the melting point of the country and if things go right there is a high chance of the same happening in the rest of the country,” Ruto said.