Fighting councillors finally conduct peaceful polls

By KARANJA NJOROGE

Nakuru Mayor Mohammed Suraw suffered a blow after his allies were ousted from key departmental committees during peaceful elections, Wednesday.

Councillors aligned to The National Alliance won most of the seats after beating the Orange Democratic Movement, which previously dominated the council. 

The elections were held following a court ruling, which ordered the troubled council to hold the long awaited polls within seven days.

The camp allied to former Mayor David Gikaria and deputy Mayor Damaris Mbuthia won the chairmanship of the eight standing committees to stamp their authority in the management of the civic authority ahead of the General Election in March next year.

Violence erupted at the Municipal Council two weeks ago after councillors opposed moves to postpone the polls following a court order.

However, peace prevailed during the elections yesterday with the councillors hugging each other after the polls and striking a reconciliatory note.

Zack Njeru was elected chairman of the key finance, staff and general purposes committee, which was previously held by Roselyn Lai. 

Others elected were Charles Maisiba (town planning and works), Kamau Githengi (public health and Aids control), Christopher Maritim (education), James Kiragu (social services and housing), Joseph Munyiri (environment), and Jepthar Maniga (internal audit).

Former Mayor John Kitilit was elected the vice-chairman of the finance committee. Gikaria, who has announced his intention to contest the Nakuru East Parliamentary seat, said the new team looks forward to providing services to residents.

He, however, cautioned chief officers led by Town Clerk Wilson Maroa against taking sides when serving the councillors.

“The clerk’s office should cease being partisan when serving councillors so that we provide the required services,” said Gikaria. Mayor Suraw who extended an olive branch to his rivals said Nakuru should lead in peace efforts following the recent signing of a peace accord in the town by different communities.

“Now that the elections which created bad blood are over we want residents to come together and uphold peace,” the mayor added.  

The elections were held after the court dismissed the case that had suspended the AGM and ordered the elections be conducted within seven days.

Speaking separately, elders from different communities urged the civic leaders to nurture peace in line with the peace accord.

The Nakuru elders joint peace group also asked the Government to address the issue of security for the mayor, who recently claimed his life was in danger.

“We have been concerned about the fight at the council and we want all the leaders in the county to preach and uphold peace,” said Samuel Maigua.