Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi has criticized Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga for missing a State House meeting convened by President William Ruto.
In a statement on Tuesday, March 25, Wamumbi questioned the Kahiga's absence, arguing that such meetings are essential for securing development funds for Nyeri.
"Mutahi Kahiga, as a resident of Nyeri, I have every right to ask you why you missed a meeting called by the Head of State to discuss Nyeri development and you failed to show up,” he stated.
Wamumbi pointed out that Kahiga had previously lamented the lack of funds allocated to Nyeri County yet he chose to skip the meeting.
The lawmaker argued that funding discussions happen in official meetings, not informal gatherings, referring to meetings at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's Wamunyoro residence.
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“The other day you were complaining on this same platform that Nyeri had not been allocated funds for CAIPS. Such funds are not allocated in Wamunyoro meetings—today’s meeting is where such funds are lobbied,” he added.
Kahiga was absent from a State House meeting between Mt. Kenya governors and cabinet secretaries on Monday, March 24, raising speculation about his whereabouts.
It was later established that Kahiga was attending an event that saw Nyeri County designated as the official Scout City of the World.
"Today marks the beginning of a new phase in Nyeri County's elevation in the local, regional, and international spheres. Accompanied by my Deputy, H.E. David Kinaniri, I officially signed the Declaration designating Nyeri County as the official Scout City of the World," he said.
According to President William Ruto, the Stae House meeting was aimed at tracking the development programmes being implemented by the government ahead of his tour of the region.
"We are aligning National and county governments' priorities to accelerate our development agenda, effectively address the needs of our people, and drive inclusive growth.
"We discussed the key programmes and projects that we are implementing to spur the region's socio-economic transformation," he said.
Among those who attended the meeting were Deputy President Kindiki Kithure and Governors Cecily Mbarire (Embu), Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), and Kimani Wamatangi (Kiambu).
Others were Joshua Irungu (Laikipia), Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka Nithi), Irungu Kangata (Murang'a), Kiarie Badilisha (Nyandarua) and Isaac Mutuma (Meru).
It is important to note that the Constitution of Kenya states that funds allocated to counties must be disbursed by the national government as required by law.
The Public Finance Management (PFM) Act, 2012, and Article 219 of the Kenyan Constitution govern the disbursement of funds to county governments.
Article 219 of the 2010 constitution states, "A county's share of revenue raised by the national government shall be transferred to the county without undue delay and without deduction, except when the transfer has been stopped under Article 225."
