By Blaise Gitonga
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has criticized a section of leaders from the county for their attempts in dictating who should be reaching out to President William Ruto for development projects and programs in the county.
The Governor while speaking at the commissioning of Kawema Water Project in Mariani Ward reaffirmed his position and closeness to the head of state, disputing allegations that he was not in a position to reach and engage with the president for the prosperity of the county.
“When the President want to deliver his pledges to the people of Tharaka Nithi he knows he can trust Muthomi Njuki to deliver to the three constituencies. There is no time I will be unable to approach President William Ruto for the sake of my people because I am not restricted to Kathwana as the county headquarters”
“There are leaders going round saying Governor Njuki is not close to government. I have worked with President William Ruto since 2009 before being elected to office, as an MP from 2013 and to date as a Governor through the 2017 and 2022 elections. How then can it be said that I am not close to the president by new political entrants”, he remarked.
Njuki emphasized on the need for elected leaders to lobby for funds from the national government despite the assigned allocations through revenue sharing by the national treasury, saying it would serve as a boost for development programs in the county.
“There is a huge percentage that remains with the national government after revenue sharing to the counties and constituencies. If you don’t get a chance to reach the President other leaders will do and get projects to their constituencies”, he said.
In what seems as politics of betrayal, Governor Njuki hit out at his former political allies who have formed camp to attack him.
“Some of the people I campaigned for and supported in politics as my juniors then have now betrayed me and stabbed me in the back despite efforts to ensure they were empowered and rose to leadership. They are a kin to a child who has grown to disobey and disrespect his father”, he noted.
County Assembly Speaker John Mbabu found fault with MP Patrick Munene for neglecting vital responsibilities and projects in the constituency, saying they had not progressed from where Governor Njuki left as MP.
“Those who were against the government through opposition are now getting closer to the President than some Members of Parliament who were in government. When the President was here, MP Patrick Munene hired crowds to heckle at Governor Njuki, if he does not want to lobby then he should let other leaders to do it on behalf of the people for developments”, he said.
The Governor later operationalized Ntunini Tea Buying Centre in Karingani Ward and commissioned the Kirege Tea Buying Centre in Mugwe Ward.
