Waititu, his impeached ex-minister form election alliance
By James Wakahiu, January 31, 2022
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, who made history as the first county chief to be successfully impeached and his former County Executive Committee Member for Youth and Sports Affairs Karungo Thang’wa, who was also kicked out over alleged embezzlement of money meant for youth, have formed an alliance that they hope will catapult them back to the office.
The two yesterday joined Deputy President William Ruto in his tour of Kiambu.
This has rekindled their 2017 unity when they ran under the “United for Kiambu” banner.
While Waititu defeated William Kabogo in the Jubilee primaries, Karungo, a former MCA, was unable to dislodge Senator Kimani Wamatangi.
However, Waititu handed him a lifeline by appointing him to his government.
“Karungo is the senator, that is what people are telling me, and they will also elect (Ann) Wa Muratha as Mama County. We are in the same camp,” Waititu says of his reunion with the former broadcaster.
Initially, while Waititu, after his ouster joined Kanu, Karungo decamped to The Service Party that is associated with former Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri. They both now support Ruto.
But Governor Nyoro’s head of service delivery John Mugwe, who is among those eying the Senate seat, said given their track they do not deserve any leadership post.
Karungo was kicked out of office in October 2019 after a motion was moved by nominated MCA Njeri Bakari. During the debate, only two out of 53 MCAs opposed the motion to have him removed over alleged abuse of office and gross misconduct and misuse of funds.
Two months later, Waititu who is also facing corruption charges, was impeached by the Assembly over among other claims, corruption. In January 2020, his impeachment was upheld by the Senate.
Waititu is expected to square it out with among others Nyoro, Wamatangi, Kabogo, Thika Town MP Patrick Wainaina and County Speaker Stephen Ndicho. Others are Agnes Ndung’u, a social and community development worker, ex-county official Juliet Kimemia and Mwende Gatabaki.
Karungo will compete against Mugwe, Director of Political Affairs at Office of the President Machel Waikenda, ex-county Speaker Gathii Irungu and former Sigona MCA Mutonya Njenga.