By Gerald Mukembu
The office of the Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has distanced the governor from any connection to alleged diversion of Sh45million water project.
Marimanti Member of County Assembly (MCA) Kennedy Kamunyu had accused Governor Njuki of neglecting his ward and diverting funds meant for a key water project.
Speaking on Saturday while joining residents of Kathuura and Mugui villages, along the Imenti–Tharaka border, in repairing dilapidated link roads, alleged that the KSh45 million Mukithi Water Project, funded by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), had stalled despite funds allegedly being released and a contractor awarded the tender.
“The governor has either pocketed or intends to divert the KSh45 million Mukithi Water Project funds. A contractor was reportedly awarded the tender, but no work has been done on the ground since the money was allocated,” Kamunyu said.
MCA Kennedy Kamunyu and residents repairs a road in Marimanti Ward
Tharaka Nithi Communications County Director Alex Njeru replied to the allegations saying this is unfounded propaganda and without any ground.
“How can a governor control a national government project (NMDA) which is not even a partnership. They have their own way of rendering, implementing and paying their projects. Where does the governor come in?” Njeru said.
Kamunyu claimed the county leadership had failed to implement development projects in Marimanti Ward.
He further accused the governor of sabotaging his role as an elected representative and oversight leader in the Tharaka Nithi County Assembly, adding that his ward had been sidelined in development planning and implementation.
Kamunyu also questioned the use of road maintenance funds, noting that the county assembly had approved nearly KSh1 billion for road works, yet residents in his ward had seen no improvements.
“There is nothing visible on the ground, especially in Marimanti Ward, despite the huge budget passed by the assembly,” he said.
Residents had similar sentiments with the saying poor road conditions had made transport difficult, particularly during the rainy season.
Peter Murithi, a resident who joined the road repair exercise, said the roads had not been attended to since Governor Njuki assumed office more than eight years ago.
“We are calling on the county government of Tharaka Nithi to release funds meant for grading and upgrading our roads. They have become impassable, and we are suffering, especially during the rainy season,” Murithi said.
Residents demanded equitable service delivery, saying Marimanti Ward deserved the same level of development as other parts of the county.
On negligence and sidelining the Ward, Njeru said, “I am from Marimanti Ward and that is just propaganda, this is desperate MP GG trumpet.”
