A section of Kiambu residents have admitted to missing their former governor William Kabogo, months after rejecting his re-election bid.
In an interview on Monday, the residents lamented on how they are regretting voting for Governor Ferdinand Waititu and his Deputy James Nyoro.According to the residents, Waititu's leadership has been embroiled in power tussles, forgetting its core mandate.The residents argue that the alleged feud between Waititu and Nyoro is undermining development and tarnishing the county’s name.“Some of us are beginning to regret why we voted in the two (Waititu and Nyoro) because 10 months into their leadership there is nothing to celebrate,” said John Kariuki, a taxi operator at Ruaka Town.Mr Kariuki said that they voted in Waititu hoping he will settle down and work for them as he had promised.He argued that Governor Waititu’s government is yet to make a mark.“I think we erred in rejecting Kabogo at least for him you could see something taking place,” said Jacinta Waithera, a food vendor at a construction site in Ruaka.Waithera claimed that Waititu's leadership has not addressed issues facing the common mwananchi.She cited poor roads, blocked drainages, unemployment and insecurity as some of the challenges that Kiambu residents are grappling with.Cecilia Wamiatha, a licensed bar operator in Ndumberi argued that voting-in Waititu could have been a mistake.She claims that some of the governors’ policies are a threat to the economy.Wamaitha said that Waititu's recent crackdown on bars in the fight against illicit brews was a ‘clear indication of his failed leadership’.“He (Waititu) should have consulted because some of the genuine bar operators lost their property and businesses in the process,” she said.The residents now want the Jubilee governor to settle down and deliver what he promised.“He (Waititu) still has time and a chance to deliver and should stop side shows and settle on his mandate,” said Stella Kuria, a student at a local college in Kiambu Town.Kuria said that there is much the governor needs to address including unemployment.On Monday, Waititu’s deputy James Nyoro accused the governor of running the county affairs alone.Nyoro claimed that Waititu does not consult and has been making decisions without involving other organs of the county.The Kiambu deputy governor said that working under Waititu is torturous, adding that he is contemplating moving to court to sue the governor for failing to consult and involve him and others in running the affairs of the county government.The feud between Waititu and Nyoro seems to have deepened with claims that the deputy governor could resign. “I am not going to resign but will fight for my rights as Kiambu deputy governor in court,” Nyoro said on Monday.Governor Waititu is yet to respond to his deputy’s claims.