The differences between former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary and The Service Party (TPS) leader Mwangi Kiunjuri and Laikipia Senator John Kinyua played out at a thanksgiving ceremony after the former accused the latter of dishonesty and betrayal.
Kiunjuri, who was the first to speak, said honesty is important in politics, as it is a virtue that had seen him rise from a “humble background to becoming MP, assistant minister, minister and leader of a party”.
This is the second time Kiunjuri is accusing Kinyua of betraying him after he helped him to become senator.
But immediately he was done, Kinyua while reacting to the allegations, reminded Kiunjuri that he was already an elected councillor and was serving as vice chairman of the defunct Laikipia County Council before they met.
Political differences
Kinyua told those who attended the thanks giving mass at the Maina Catholic church in Nyahururu for Purity Mumbi who was promoted from assistant chief to assistant county commissioner (ACC) that the difference between him and the TPS boss was political.
Mumbi served as assistant chief for Ndururumo sub location in Maina location in Nyahururu for about eight years. She has been posted to Kitui County in her new capacity.
“The issue is just because I am in United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and did not join TPS,” the Senator said.
The bitter exchange did not impress Nyahururu Catholic Bishop Joseph Mbatia, who presided over the mass as he expressed his disappointments that despite armed bandit killing people in Laikipia, leaders were not doing enough to push for an end to the mayhem.
He challenged the leaders to stand up to be counted in pursuit of restoring security in the County where over 10 police officers, several police reservists and civilians have been killed in the last few months.
The latest killing was of three police officers who were attacked inside the Laikipia Nature Conservancy that is suspected to be hideout for armed bandits who raid settlement areas bordering the vast ranch.
“The killings are continuing and we have been wondering where the government is as all this is happening?” posed the Bishop adding that residents of Laikipia are yearning for peace
“The killings, burning of houses and displacement of people in Laikipia is disturbing and there is need for government and leaders to push for restoration of peace in the County,” he said.
Mumbi is among about 150 chiefs and assistants who were recently promoted to ACC positions.
