Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) reached a truce a day after they protested delays in bursary disbursement among other issues.

After a lengthy meeting at the county government headquarters, the governor and the ward reps said they have agreed to work together for the sake of Kiambu people.

“We have discussed a number of issues and agreed that the executive and the assembly have a vital role to play in tackling matters affecting the county. There is no fight between us,” said Wamatangi.

The leaders came out of a marathon meeting that took more than six hours and in which journalists were kept waiting outside the gate for a joint press conference.

On Monday, January 9, the 60 ward reps from various parties and independents had questioned Wamatangi’s style of leadership, accusing him of undermining them by using his foundation and cronies to reach the grassroots.

They also charged that bursary committees were being formed at ward level without their knowledge or involvement and accused the county chief of usurping their roles.

Wamatangi’s relationship with MCAs

Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa later added his voice to the row, saying Wamatangi had no choice but to meet the MCAs.

The Senator said the MCAs were close to the people and the Governor must listen to them.

“We have never differed in any big way. Maybe there was a misinterpretation that we are at loggerheads,” said Wamatangi who was flanked by Assembly Majority Leader Godfrey Mucheke and Deputy Speaker John Njiru.

He also took a swipe at unnamed politicians charging that they were looking for a chance to create a rift between his office and the County Assembly.

“No one will be allowed to create a wedge between us. We have resolved to march together as we work for the people of Kiambu,” Wamatangi stated.

However, he skirted a question on the role of Wamatangi Foundation in county matters when asked to comment on it, terming it as “misleading reports.”

Mucheke said the meeting resolved to have education bursary fund released for onward disbursement to beneficiaries by the end of this month.

“We want to assure the people of our commitment to fulfilling pre-election pledges. There is no war between us and the governor, even families have some misunderstandings,” said Mucheke.