Boda boda operators in Laikipia county have condemned remarks by Woman Rep Catherine Waruguru castigating three Cabinet Secretaries for politicking and the misuse of Covid-19 funds.
Led by their chairman Cyrus Kimanthi, the operators on Monday accused Waruguru of disrespecting other leaders.
In a video that went viral on social media at the weekend, Waruguru is heard saying that Health CS Mutahi Kagwe had mismanaged money meant for combating coronavirus.
She also said that Kagwe, CS Fred Matiang’i (Interior) and George Magoha (Education) were busy doing politics instead of driving the government agenda.
“We hear that Matiang’i is to be President in 2022 and Kagwe will be his running mate. Magoha is also busy visiting schools across the country where he is not involving teachers and local leaders,” Waruguru said.
She is also heard saying President Uhuru Kenyatta will not endorse anyone of them for the seat come 2022.
The boda boda operators told Waruguru to humble herself to the Cabinet Secretaries so that she can get them development projects from the national government.
“In a place like Endana in Segera ward in Laikipia North subcounty, women give birth on their way to hospital because there are no dispensaries,” Kimanthi said.
He noted that no single boda boda operator has ever benefitted from the National Government Affirmative Action Fund, not even having a driving licence fee paid for.
Boniface Wanyeki, another rider, said Matiang’i called them for a meeting and agreed on a raft of issues that they wanted addressed.
“Waruguru does not even know us at the grassroots level. Let her stop driving a wedge between us and the government. We are happy with the government and we are behind it,” Wanyeki said.
Some senior government officials who spoke to the Star on condition of anonymity on Tuesday said the MP could be a mole in the government.
They noted that since she left the Tangatanga team and joined the government, she had been given relief food, sanitiser and other nonfood items to distribute to people affected by the Covid-19 but was not appreciative.
Efforts to get a comment from the legislator through phone calls and short text messages went unanswered.
