Governor Njuki links woes to politics, says graft case won't hold him back
What you need to know:
- Addressing hundreds of members of the clergy from the county, who gathered in Chuka town to pray for him on Friday, Governor Njuki said when he joined politics in 2013, he knew well that the work came with many challenges.
- He said most of his current problems resulted from his decision to work with commoners, ignoring some of his political friends with personal interests.
- The county chief also said his government will continue offering services, contrary to the directive by the Council of Governors, which shut down operations due to a cash crunch, saying Tharaka-Nithi workers have no salary arrears.
Tharaka-Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, charged in a Sh34.9 million corruption case, says he is confident that he will soon be vindicated.
Addressing hundreds of members of the clergy from the county, who gathered in Chuka town to pray for him on Friday, Governor Njuki said when he joined politics in 2013, he knew well that the work comes with many challenges.
He said most of his current problems resulted from his decision to work with commoners, ignoring some of his political friends with personal interests.
"I know I am suffering because of choosing to work with mwananchi and avoiding some political friends who have no interest in the people,” he said.
He assured the county that he is still the governor and that he will ensure they do not suffer in terms of development because of his court case.
Mr Njuki further said he will continue discharging his duties as usual, but away from his office - at the county headquarters in Kathwana - as directed by the court.
"I am the one on trial, not Tharaka-Nithi County, so, I will deal with my personal problems and ensure I fulfill my manifesto which is already 80 per cent implemented," he said.
Cash crunch
The county chief also said his government will continue offering services, contrary to the directive by the Council of Governors, which shut down operations due to a cash crunch, saying Tharaka-Nithi workers have no salary arrears.
He said that like the other 46 counties, the county has not received money from the national government this financial year but has used the little it collects as revenue to pay salaries and meet other needs.
Methodist Church of Kenya Bishop Samuel Njagi, who led the player session, asked residents to remain calm and pray for their governor.
He also asked leaders to shun divisive politics and work together for the people’s benefit.
This was the governor's first public appearance since he was released on a Sh6 million bond last Wednesday.
Mr Njuki was barred from accessing county offices alongside county officials, with whom he was charged. They can only go to the premises in the company of Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officers.
