The late Wahome Gakuru's vehicle was faulty, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga claims.
The Mercedes Benz E50 was involved in an accident last Tuesday as Gakuru was travelling to Nairobi for an interview.
He died in Thika Level Five Hospital shortly after.
"Gakuru had on many occasions complained that the car will kill him one day since it was faulty. He would even use his personal car during his regular travelling since he knew the Benz was faulty,” Kahiga said on Tuesday.
Police had said a tyre burst
Kahiga, who was sworn in on Monday, said the vehicle was among other county vehicles that were faulty.
He was speaking during Gakuru's memorial service at Dedan Kimathi University in Nyeri.
He said the county has allocated Sh13 million for a vehicle for the governor.
"The Sh13 million allocated is for the governor’s vehicle since the one that was being used by my predecessor was faulty. The one I’m now using have been borrowed from the Finance ministry. The governor needs to use a proper and safer car," Kahiga said.
The Governor also said Sh22 million has been set aside to construct and refurbish the residences of the governor and deputy.
He said the Salaries and Remuneration Commission has given counties up to next year to have permanent residences of governors, deputies and Speakers instead of county monies being used on rents and mortgages.
Kahiga assured that the money will be utilised well through transparency and accountability.
Kahiga was accompanied by Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu, Gakuru’s widow Catherine Wahome, several Nyeri CECs, vice chancellor Ndirangu Kioni and former Nyeri woman representative Priscilla Nyokabi.