Governors accused of sidelining their deputies

A deputy governor has launched
an attack on governors over the
running of county governments.
Nyandarua Deputy Governor
Waithaka Mwangi Kirika said his
counterparts had been sidelined in
most county affairs.
“Our role is purely bridal. Some of
us have no job descriptions despite
being the second in command at
the county,” Mr Mwangi said
Monday.
He said a majority of the deputy
governors were chosen as running
mates for political expediency
during the 2013 General Elections.
He said they were totally in the
dark in regard to the affairs of
county governments.
“We have become mere stooges.
We can’t even tell when the
governor is away and we are not
involved in consultations in case an
issue arises,” Mr Kirika added.
He said many governors were
suffering from the ‘‘big man’’
syndrome.
“When we go out of our way to do
other politically-related duties, we
are accused of undermining the
governors,” Mr Kirika said.
COUNTY CEOS
The Fourth Schedule of the
Constitution and the County
Governments Act 2012 say
governors and their deputies are
the CEOs and deputy CEOs of
counties respectively.
Mr Kirika said the Act was not
being followed and there were icy
relationships between governors
and their assistants in many
counties.
“I was recently admonished for
offering advice which is my role as
the second-in-command. My
contribution was seen as
offensive,” he said.
Mr Kirika supported the county
development boards to be chaired
by senators saying they would
bring sanity in the management of
counties.
He said the boards would bring
together local political leadership,
ensure inclusivity as well as
transparency and financial
prudence.
Mr Kirika said he was opposed to
calls for referendum by the
governors, terming the clamour
self serving.