- Kiambu senator Karungo Thang'wa said the meeting with Gachagua on Tuesday was successful and was initiated to establish a working formula to address the underlying tensions.
- Karungo noted that the engagement with Wamatangi indicated a proactive approach to resolving the differences and fostering harmony within the Kiambu leadership.
Image: AMOS NJAU
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is set to host a crucial meeting with the Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) from Kiambu to address differences with Governor Kimani Wamatangi.
The development comes after he (Gachagua) recently held an exclusive meeting with Members of Parliament (MPs) from Kiambu and engaged in discussions with the Governor, aimed at finding a working formula.
The main cause of the escalating disputes in Kiambu revolves around Wamatangi's alleged inability to collaborate with fellow leaders and the exclusion of key individuals from the decision-making.
The issue of Gachagua meeting Kiambu leadership gained prominence when Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang'wa last week urged him to intervene and find a long-lasting solution.
Speaking to Star Friday, Kiambu senator Karungo Thang'wa said the meeting with Gachagua on Tuesday was successful and was initiated to establish a working formula to address the underlying tensions.
Karungo noted that the engagement with Wamatangi indicated a proactive approach to resolving the differences and fostering harmony within the Kiambu leadership.
“We resolved to work together for the sake of the Kiambu people and we aren’t turning back. The governor was requested by Gachagua to work with all elected leaders in the County including MCAs, and to respect them,” Karungo said.
He further revealed that Gachagua is set to hold a similar meeting with members of the County Assembly and the governor in two weeks' time.
The senator noted that the exclusive meeting with the Kiambu MCAs will be a significant step towards resolving the conflict between the executive and legislature who had initiated the process of collecting signatures to impeach him.
“Now, turning attention to the Kiambu MCAs, Deputy President Gachagua aims to extend the dialogue and seek their input in finding a comprehensive resolution. The meeting is anticipated to provide an opportunity for open and constructive discussions, to reach a consensus and restore unity among the various stakeholders,” Karungo said.
Kiambu MCAs had earlier stormed the governor's office and threatened to impeach him accusing him of micromanaging the County and working as a lone ranger.
MCAs claimed that the purported autocratic leadership style attributed to Wamatangi has led to a significant number of key cabinet members resigning, which, according to other leaders, has hindered the delivery of services.
Kiambu Assembly speaker Charles Thiong'o confirmed the existence of a meeting with Gachagua noting that it will help to bring leaders together.
He downplayed any bad blood between executive and legislature noting that meeting with Gachagua will help to strengthen the bonds and make leaders friendly and supportive to each other.
He requested elected leaders ranging from the National Assembly to the County to support each other for the growth of the County.
"I can assure you that since we held a meeting with the governor and the members of the assembly, we agreed to work together and deliver as we are mandated. Gachagua meeting if it will happen, will help to strengthen the bond further between executive and legislature," He said.
Kiambu County Assembly Majority Leader Godfrey Mucheke quoted by a section of the media acknowledged MCAs had begun to collect signatures to impeach Wamatangi.
Mucheke, however, said that the MCAs have since stopped the processes and have agreed to work with Wamatangi for the greater good of the county.
"MCAs have halted the process of collecting signatures and we are now collaborating, which is what our constituents expect from us. We are pleased that Gachagua has engaged with the MPs and agreed to align with our objectives. We must set aside political differences within the county and prioritize efficient service delivery," Mucheke said.
Assembly minority leader Joe Kigara told the Star that they will highly appreciate meeting deputy president Rigathi Gachagua to resolve the differences with Governor Wamatangi.
Kigara said that currently there is not much problem and they are effectively supporting Wamatangi to deliver on his campaign promises.
However, he said that in case he fails to deliver, they won’t stop to put him on his toes by taking harsh directions which aren’t limited to impeachment.
“We will meet Gachagua if he invites us and we will table our differences. We have given Wamatangi everything he deserves from our side, may it be supplementary budget, peace and nothing should now stop him from working, “he said.
Muchatha MCA Karanja Kamau on his part has said that the deputy president’s involvement and proactive stance reflect a commitment to address internal conflicts within the Kiambu leadership.
He said that by hosting the Kiambu MCAs, Deputy President Gachagua demonstrates his willingness to engage with all parties involved, taking a step towards finding a harmonious resolution to the bitter fallout with Governor Wamatangi.
“As this crucial meeting takes place, residents of Kiambu eagerly await the outcomes and hope for a positive breakthrough that will foster unity and effective governance in the county,” he said.
Kiamwangi MCA Kung’u Smart urged all elected leaders to work together by promoting unity irrespective of political party affiliation.
He said that Kiambu County has more to offer to electorates rather than unending fights between the executive and legislature.
“We are pushing for unity and we appreciate Gachagua's move to state that he will host us for an exclusive meeting to foster unity between the governor and the MCAs,’ he said.
Wamatangi on Tuesday told the Star that there is no bad blood between him and members of the County assembly.
He said that he is working with all elected leaders on the realization of making Kiambu County great.