Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has told off Kiambu politicians calling for Governor Charity Ngilu’s arrest and prosecution for enforcing charcoal burning and sand harvesting ban.
Speaking to journalists at the Southern Eastern of Kenya University (SEKU) in Kitui on Tuesday, professor Kibwana said that Ngilu has done nothing wrong to warrant arrest or prosecution.
He said Ngilu was being harassed for standing firm against environmental degradation.
“I don’t see any reason why some people should be holding demonstrations, burning tyres and calling for Governor Ngilu’s arrest and prosecution,” Kibwana said.
Kibwana said Governor Ngilu’s strict enforcement of charcoal ban should be lauded instead of being condemned.
The Makueni governor accused some politicians of playing politics with environmental matters.
He said the country will never achieve its development agenda if politics is dragged into serious environmental matters.
The Makueni governor said they will stand with Ngilu and ensure that the ban is extended to neighboring counties.
“We are going to work with Ngilu and make sure that the ban is extended to Makueni, Machakos and other counties countrywide,” he said.
Ngilu has been under criticism and attacks over claims she incited youths to torch vehicles found ferrying charcoal in Kitui County.
A section of Kiambu politicians led by Governor Ferdinand Waititu have been demanding for Ngilu’s arrest, claiming she incited for the torching of a lorry that was found ferrying charcoal in Kanyororo area, Kitui county, three weeks ago.
Ngilu has, however, denied the allegations insisting that the ban on charcoal is unstoppable.
On Monday, Ngilu appeared before the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) for interrogation over incitement allegations.
Transport was paralyzed along the Nakuru - Nairobi Highway as Limuru charcoal traders demonstrated, demanding for Ngilu’s arrest on Monday.
The angry traders went on to deflate vehicle tires paralyzing transport for hours.
Kiambu leaders now want President Uhuru Kenyatta to intervene over the matter and compel Governor Ngilu to compensate the owners of the torched vehicles.
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