Kirinyaga County official resigns after warning letter from Waiguru

Lynette Wanjiru Njeru has resigned: she was a County Executive Committee member for Gender and Youth in Kirinyaga County.

Njeru had been appointed to the position in September last year after her predecessor Judy Kinyua was sacked.

“It is with recognition of the magnitude of responsibility bestowed upon me that I tender my resignation from the offie of County Executive Committee member for Gender and Youth effective January 15, 2020,” the letter from Njeru reads.

Her move comes days after she received a letter from Governor Waiguru over what was termed as underperformance.

In the letter dated December 9, Governor Waiguru is said to have raised concerns over the overall performance of the Gender and Youth docket.

“Given that you are County Executive Committee member responsible for effective and efficient service delivery of your department, I hold you accountable for the overall underperformance,”  the letter from Waiguru reads.

Njeru had been asked to show cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against her for underperformance.

Governor Waiguru cited Kaitheri Linen Factory output as operating below the agreed target.

She further lamented over the recently scheduled launch of the gender based recovery center saying it did not materialize.

Further, the letter indicated there were no significant initiatives for youth undertaken despite guidance on priority projects.

Njeru had been given seven days to respond failure to which action would be taken.

In her resignation, the Kirinyaga CeC steered clear of the allegations instead saying: “I am eternally grateful to H.E Anne Waiguru for the appointment and supporting the execution of my mandate.”

Last year, Njeru’s predecessor moved to court claiming unfair dismissal.

The Labour court in Nyeri ruled in her favor and the Governor was reportedly ordered to pay the complainant Ksh.3.3 million over unlawful dismissal.

According to the Daily Nation, Justice Nzioki wa Makau ruled that the Governor’s decision to sack Ms. Kinyua over incompetence and underperformance was illegal and contrary to the law.