Nyeri Senator Ephraim Maina at a past event. [Photo|weeklycitizen.co.ke]
Nyeri Senator Ephraim Maina has denied media reports that he said Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri should be dropped from the cabinet.
Addressing the press on Sunday, Maina insisted he was quoted out of context, saying he only criticised the CS for backing Independent candidates in the last election.
"I did not say President Uhuru should sack Kiunjuri. What I said is that, as a Cabinet Secretary, Kiunjuri should have kept off politics during the August 8 polls," he said.
Saturday Standard reported that Maina said Kiunjuri has been rejected by Mt Kenya leaders, adding that his re-appointment can only serve to divide the region even further.
"I am speaking on behalf of Mt Kenya political leadership and I am sure the people of Laikipia share our concerns. We no longer trust and have lost confidence in CS Kiunjuri because of many reasons among them schemes to sabotage Jubilee candidates in our area and many other things. He cannot and does not represent our region," he said.
The Senator added: "As political leaders from this area, we believe in President Kenyatta’s wisdom. We have no doubt that in making his appointments; he will go for people who will unite this region as opposed to those who have created divisions."
A section of Jubilee leaders has told off Maina, insisting Uhuru should have a free hand in picking his cabinet members.
"We have never met as leaders from the region and discussed Kiunjuri. The president has a right to choose whoever he feels can get the job done," said Rahab Mukami, Nyeri Women Rep.
Others who have hit out at Maina include Laikipia Senator John Kinyua, MPs Faith Gitau (Nyandarua), Wangui Ngirici (Kirinyaga), Wambugu Ngunjiri (Nyeri Town) among others.