Two protests were staged with at least 6 MPs walking out of a meeting chaired by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’I during his visit to Meru and Isiolo counties.
6 MPs walk out of CS Matiang’i’s meeting as protests mark his visit
The MPs did not have kind words for CS Matiang'i
File image of CS Fred Matiangi
Recommended articles
The visit saw six of Meru’s 11 MPs walked off the CS’s consultation with local leaders at the county commissioner’s residence over a protocol hitch.
The MPs were disappointed after changes were made to Matiang’i’s schedule to to include presentation of Affirmative Action Fund cheques to women groups in Buuri constituency.
Among those who left the meeting at the county commissioner’s residence in a huff are Meru Senator Mithika Linturi and MPs Kathuri Murungi (South Imenti), Rahim Dawood (North Imenti), Maoka Maore (Igembe North), John Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South) and Josephat Gichunge (Tigania East).
ADVERTISEMENT
CS Fred Matiangi (left) with Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi during his recent visit to Meru County
Pulse Live Kenya
Commenting on why he left the meeting, Meru senator who was flanked by the 6 MPs blamed it on a protocol hitch.
“We have been waiting here for three hours without any word on when the consultation is to start and decided to move on with our other programmes of the day,” Linturi said.
"We were told that the meeting was supposed to start at 11am at the county commissioner’s office. We were at the residence at the exact time but as we issue this statement it's already 2pm.
"We do not expect someone who holds such an office not to respect time. It's better if we were told the meeting would not take place or would be late because of unavoidable circumstances." added the disgruntled leaders.
ADVERTISEMENT
CS Matiang'i accused of bias
The working visit by the super CS was also condemned by Borana Council of Elders, religious leaders and the Borana Professionals who termed it as “ill-timed, unfortunate and violating the basic tenets of protocol.”
Acording to the leaders, “His (Matiangi) visit was unannounced and suspect and... (and issued) antagonistic directives for the immediate arrest of some unnamed individuals and Isiolo leaders”.
MPs John Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South), Rahim Dawood (North Imenti), Kubai Kiringo (Igembe Central), Mithika Linturi (senator), Maoka Maore (Igembe North), Kathuri Murungi (Imenti South) Josphat and Josphat Gichunge (Tigania East)
Pulse Live Kenya
The Borana leaders alleged bias on the part of the CS in addressing security issues facing the region, claiming that the CS was showing open bias towards Meru in the conflict over the Meru-Isiolo border and pastureland.
ADVERTISEMENT
The CS was also accused of favouring the Garreh (Somali) community in a separate conflict over pastureland and land ownership within Isiolo County.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: news@pulselive.co.ke
Next story