Kithure Kindiki, the former senate Deputy Speaker and Tharaka Nithi Senator was axed from his powerful role due to his decision to question President Uhuru Kenyatta’s deal with Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, Agriculture CS Peter Munya claims.
Speaking at Kenya Planters Co-operative Union (KPCU) branch in Meru on Saturday, May 23, the CS stated that he tried to fight for the Senator but was left speechless when asked why the former deputy speaker would question his party leader.
“The constitution says one can handover county duties to the national government, if you can no longer carry out your duties. The Nairobi Governor did just that and signed the necessary documents to delegate specified duties to the national government,
“Then you [Kindiki] go to Parliament to oppose the president’s move to streamline Nairobi, yet you are in his party. I tried to defend some but I was asked that particular question, I had no defence,” he stated.
He went on to argue that if Nairobi’s economy collapsed, the country would soon follow, which is why the president opted for the deal that resulted in the formation of the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) headed by Director General Mohamed Badi.
On February 26, the Tharaka Nithi Senator had directed two special committees namely; Devolution and Inter-governmental Relations and the Justice and Legal Affair, alongside Attorney General Kihara Kariuki, Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa and Council of Governor’s chairman Wycliffe Oparanya to scrutinise the transfer of functions between the two levels of government.
He specifically tasked the group with analysing the legality of the deal, procedural issues as well as constitutional gaps.
“I direct the two committees to hold further public participation to be conducted within Nairobi County. The joint committee should ensure that they provide a detailed report within 60 days with proposed legislative amendment on the transfer of functions from County Government,” he stated at the time.
However, his senior – House Speaker Ken Lusaka, suspended the investigation on March 2.
“Having listened to the request by the Senate Minority Leader and the contributions made and since this was made by my officer, I will consult with my deputy so that it does not appear like we are conflicting,” he announced.
On his part, CS Munya maintains that this was the main reason why the Senator was axed from his plum post, adding that the party was well within its rights to punish rebels.
“I have heard various people saying that the law was broken during the ousting. I have read the law as well and I can assure you that none was broken,” he asserted.
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