Garissa governor blames court cases for lag in development

Garissa Governor Nathif Jama has blamed court cases for a lag in development in the county.

Addressing over 1000 non-locals residing in Garissa as he sought their support ahead of the polls, Jama said that his administration has initiated numerous development projects despite the legal challenges.

Jama said that a total of 27 cases have already been filed against his administration since he took office, thus slowing down his pace to ensure development.

He said Garissa was the only county which does not have a County Lands Board due to a court injunction from a resident in the county.

Last week, the Employment and Labour relations court in Nairobi ruled that Jama unlawfully sacked three  county executives with the court further directing that the three –Water CeC Mukhtar Bulale, Alah Yakub (Environment) and Idriss Mukhtar (Trade) – be paid their dues, including salaries for a period of 24 months with immediate effect.

Jama also has another case in court in which he is accused of failing to comply with procurement procedures when executing a contract with the Kenya Red Cross e-Plus for provision of ambulance services to the county.

The governor urged residents to vote for him based on his track record, promising to do more to ensure inclusivity in the composition in his administration.

He said that Garissa, being a cosmopolitan town, required a leader who would unite all the communities residing in the area and foster peace.