Waiguru withdraws mediation team following pressure from MCAs

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has bowed to pressure from the County Assembly to withdraw a mediation team she had set up to spearhead reconciliation efforts between herself and Kirinyaga MCAs. Waiguru explained that the names had been withdrawn to allow for further consultations, ”Having listened to the feedback on the list and in consideration on the same, we wish to withdraw the names to give room for further consultations”.

The reconciliation team had been set up following recommendations by the Senate for need of reconciliation between the County Executive and the County Assembly. The members included Transport and Infrastructure PS Paul Maringa, Youth & Gender PS Mary Kimone, her Shipping & Maritime Affairs counterpart Nancy Karigithu, Former KRA Manager John Njiraini, Kirinyaga Elder J.S. Mathenge, members of the clergy including Arch-bishop Muheria and Pastor Charles Ndegwa Mwai.

However, Arch-bishop denied having knowledge of the formation of the team while PS Kamonye declined the invitation, ”I note the proposal by the governor to have me as a member of the team. While I support peace and reconciliation, I regret that as a public servant, I’m constrained from being part of the process. Besides, I left the county 30 years ago. It is my strong opinion that the process will be led by leaders who understand the county issues better,” she said.

The MCAs also rejected the team, decrying lack of consultations when the team was formed. Majority leader Kamau Murango said that the Assembly had been caught by surprise, ”We learnt about the team on social media. We are treating its formation as a joke,” he indicated.