Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua has accused MCAs of blackmailing him to approve a bloated budget.
The ward representatives proposed Sh1.7 billion for themselves but the Maendeleo Chap Chap boss said this will lead to the plunder of public funds.
He said the proposal lacked proper accounting, adding that MCAs wanted the cash for "foreign trips and recreational activities".
"The priority of the county government was to uplift the living standards of the people including increasing funds for healthcare and infrastructure development. Leadership is about service to the people and not accumulation of wealth and other selfish interests," Mutua said on Thursday.
Also read:
The Governor accused the leaders of being selfish and greedy.
"The assembly has proposed a huge budget to cater for trips and luxuries against the wishes of the people who elected them," Mutua said.
He asked leaders in the county assembly to investigate and rein in "rogue members who want astronomical increase of their allowances to live a jet set lifestyle".
Mutua further said the leaders were undermining his government, thus hindering service delivery.
"They are going to big offices in Nairobi, maligning my name due to the fact that I am against the misuse of public funds," Mutua said.
Addressing the press outside his office, the Governor said he will not play to the gallery of the MCAs and allow their "ridiculous demands".
Mutua said his first term was very difficult as a result of malicious allegations by a section of former MCAs "who threw barbs at me at every juncture'.
Also read: