Waiguru blames Governor Ndathi for Kirinyaga chaos

Kirinyaga gubernatorial aspirant Anne Waiguru has blamed Governor Joseph Ndathi for the chaos that rocked a meeting convened by Jubilee officials to pick an election board in the county.

Speaking to the media on Friday, the former Devolution and National Planning Cabinet Secretary Waiguru, who was among those present, accused Governor Ndathi of orchestrating the violence in a bid to force his preferred candidates into the board.

“The people of Kirinyaga are peace-loving and the chaos witnessed today do not in any way mirror what we are,” said Waiguru.

“It is unfortunate that Governor Ndathi can orchestrate such an odious act with the aim of forcing his people into the election board.”

Violence broke out during the meeting with a faction, alleged to be supporters of Governor Ndathi hurling objects and insults at Jubilee Party officials and other aspirants present.

Waiguru noted that the chaos were a clear sign that the incumbent Ndathi had realised that the ground has shifted right under his feet and he is set for defeat in the nominations slated for April.

“It is the people of Kirinyaga who will pick their candidates, not election board officials. Therefore it is puzzling that someone can resort to violence to try and force his people into the board.

“I call on Jubilee party and the government to take action against those behind the chaos, including barring them from vying in the nominations.”

Waiguru further noted that it was not necessary for the party secretariat to place the responsibility of picking election board officials on members since some aspirants are trying to manipulate the process.

She noted: “We will wait and see what the party headquarters will decide. It is however okay if they want to pick the officials for us, the same way they settled on the party’s Secretary General, because all we are interested in is a team that will ensure free and fair nominations.”

“There was a list that was out from which we were to elect nine officials. It should have been a very simple and peaceful process, like when we elected county officials.”

“The people of Kirinyaga are very peaceful and I have even been preaching the message of peace throughout my campaigns. Such ugly scenes should not be condoned.”

Governor Ndathi who is seeking to defend his seat faces a tough challenge from the former Cabinet Secretary in the contest for Jubilee party ticket.

The Kirinyaga governorship aspirant has upped her campaign in the region meeting boda boda operators, business leaders, youth and women groups, and religious leaders as she seeks to solidify her support and clinch the seat.

Governor Ndathi has been under immense attack for allegedly squandering billions of county funds meant for development and failing to fulfill his pre-election promises to the people of Kirinyaga.

However, Speaking to Citizen Digital denied the accusations, calling them fabrications and signs of panicking in his opponents camp.

“They just want to tarnish Ndathi’s name. I never gave any one Sh3o million at Panafric Hotel. Those are allegations to me,” said Governor Ndathi.