Governor Mwangaza Accuses Kathuri, Linturi of Demanding Share of County Executive

Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza is feuding with area senator Kathuri Murungi.

The duo pledged to work together weeks ago but they are no longer seeing eye to eye.

The governor who was elected on an independent ticket, has claimed that Murungi who is the current Senate deputy speaker, has demanded a share of the county government.

Ms Mwangaza’s husband Murega Baicu on Wednesday claimed that Murungi and former senator Mithika Linturi had claimed a share of the county government.

Read: Meru Governor Race: Why Kawira Mwangaza Has Snubbed Campaign Billboards

“They have given governor Mwangaza a condition that she must give them a share of the county executive if she wants a room in President Ruto’s administration. I want to ask Mr Linturi and Senator Kathuri to leave the governor alone. Let her set up the government without interference,” Mr Baichu told the electorate.

Mr Baichu who is also a musician said his wife would not give away any part of the administration to the two.

Addressing the crowd, Ms Mwangaza said she was willing to work with President William Ruto but would not be influenced by other politicians.

“My government has no brokers because I came directly to you and you voted for me. I will not share the government with any politician except the people of Meru who elected me. They will not get half or even a quarter of the government,” she said.

Read Also: 22-year-old Gloria Mwendwa in Race to Succeed Meru Woman Rep Mwangaza

Murungi on the other hand declined to respond to the allegations and instead said “his door was open to those willing to work with him”.

Last week, deputy governor Isaac M’Ethingia accused the legislator of attempting to sway the elections for the Meru Assembly Speaker.

“Senator Kathuri is not doing his work but trying to sabotage us. We do not want to be dragged into bad politics. We also hope the MCAs won’t elect a Speaker who is being imposed by Senator Kathuri,” said Mr M’Ethingia.

“The Senator should concentrate on bringing resources to Meru and allow the MCAs to do their work.”

Read Also: Meru Governorship: Kiraitu in Tough Battle to Retain Seat as Mwangaza, Munya Join Race

Ms Mwangaza is not the first Meru county chief to fall out with the area senator.

First Meru governor Peter Munya pledged to work closely with then senator Kiraitu Murungi back in 2013. They would later lock horns in 2016.

Kiraitu then became the county chief and just like others before him, had a bitter fall out with then senator, Linturi.