Governor Mwangaza and Meru MCAs ‘reconcile’

Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza and Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) have ironed out their disputes putting an end to the truce over the ward fund allocation.

The latest was after a reconciliation meeting with the controller of budget Margaret Nyakong’o who informed the legislators that the ward fund was illegal and equally provided an alternative.

Nyakong’o promised that the legislators will get an equitable distribution of ward development projects that will be identified through the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP).

On their part, the MCAs led by county assembly speaker Ayub Bundi pledged to work in unison with the county boss affirming that they would concentrate on their constitutional duties.

They however pointed out that they will not have a hand in disputes and subsequently urged residents to address their issues to Mwangaza further claiming that they have been ‘stripped off’ powers to identify development projects.

“The governor said that she is responsible for identifying projects across the county. We want to tell the people of Meru that if there’s a bad road, call the governor, if you need a bursary, make a call to the governor,” they stated.

Mwangaza, MCAs scuffle

The latest comes after a long-time saga pitting Mwangaza and the county assembly over the ward fund among other issues. The leadership tiff escalated after the MCAs swore to impeach the county chief.

In one instance that occurred on Tuesday, October 19, 2022, the governor was the subject of the county assembly after lawmakers suspended business to discuss their relationship with the county head.

Before their address to the media, the MCAs chanted ‘bado mapambano’ in open defiance to the authority of the county chief.

“The MCAs have agreed that they are not ready to listen to the governor during the address set for this afternoon. The MCAs wanted to agree on the ward fund and how it will work. They also want to be respected during public meetings.” Bundi stated.

The Speaker noted that all the legislators had resorted to boycotting Mwangaza’s official address of the county assembly until she granted them an audience.

The county head however dismissed the claims, saying she had met the MCAs several times and held grassroots meetings with more than 20 of them.

“As a governor, I will not be intimidated by anyone because I swore to work for the people. I will not sit in the office to listen to the MCAs because I have to be with the people who voted for me,” Mwangaza said.

She also claimed that the MCAs had met at the home of a Meru Member of Parliament (MP) to plot how to fight her administration.

“Instead of talking about how they will pass the budget and [vet] the CECs, they are discussing greeting the governor,” she said at the time.

Mwangaza alleges intimidation

Mwangaza equally accused the MCAs of intimidation in revenue sharing between the executive and the county assembly. She added that the MCAs have been blackmailing her to give them Ward Fund without following the law.

“I will not be intimidated to be a thief. I’m contented with my salary and everyone else should be contented with theirs too.

“I’m not ready to pocket any single shilling belonging to the people of Meru,” she said.

The governor said should the MCAs want the Ward Fund, then they must follow the right procedure and the law.

“I am ready to give you (MCAs) money provided it’s anchored in law,” she stated.

She added: “My office is open and there is a procedure to follow. If you don’t find me, there is a deputy governor and other officers in the county that you can talk to.”