Kindiki vs Njuki — Supremacy Battles Still at Play

Supremacy battles in Tharaka-Nithi County seem far from over after remarks by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s point man, Ichenga Mugao, sparked a heated debate at Kathwana on Friday.

Speaking during the launch of the Phase 2 Kathwana Municipality tarmacking project, Ichenga Mugao took to the podium to highlight the poor state of Kathwana Market, built under the administration of Governor Muthomi Njuki, accusing Njuki of discriminating against select areas in the county.

According to Mugao, there were notable disparities in development projects across the county. He argued that the condition of Kathwana Market did not reflect or match other projects executed at similar value. In his brief speech, Mugao urged Governor Njuki to consider a facelift for the market, prompting swift responses from leaders allied to the governor.

Public Administration and Devolution Affairs CECM Muthini Karangi, in a pointed rebuttal, criticized Mugao for faulting Governor Njuki’s administration. Karangi noted that Kathwana was a neglected and dusty town before Njuki took office.

Referencing the tenure of former Governor Samuel Ragwa, under whom Mugao served as an advisor, Karangi claimed that no meaningful infrastructure improvements were made after Kathwana was designated as the county headquarters. He challenged Mugao to acknowledge the positive strides made under Njuki’s leadership.

Roads and Infrastructure CECM Giti Kijiru noted that the market design was appropriate for the environment around Kathwana, adding that the status of the market had been assessed and key renovations were set to be implemented. The renovations include lighting replacements, which leaders allied to the county government said were minimal and did not warrant such criticism.

Deputy Governor Wilson Nyaga Muisrael, while steering clear of political rhetoric, called for unity across the county. He urged politicians to avoid divisive narratives and instead focus on championing development. The Deputy Governor announced that the market would benefit from a crèche built by the county government, alongside a proper drainage system and solar-powered street lighting. He also revealed plans to connect over 150 households in the town to clean water.

Karangi while reminding the public that Ichenga Mugao currently serves as an aide to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, suggested that his remarks carried political undertones, further acknowledging Kindiki’s efforts in launching projects across other counties, stating that Tharaka-Nithi would welcome key infrastructure developments through Kindiki’s influence.

He emphasized that some projects under the National Government, such as the completion of the Chiakariga–Marimanti road, were not being highlighted to avoid stirring political tensions against the Deputy President and the government.

“Let us not wash our dirty linen in public. Leaders should sit down and work together to deliver. We should follow the direction shown by President Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to build and grow our county as we utilize the remaining years dor development,” he said.

In response, MCAs present defended Governor Muthomi Njuki, asserting that he had allocated development projects across the county without bias.

“Leaders have a responsibility to foster peace. We are lucky to have the Deputy President position, we should be more united as a county. We should not waste time dismissing Governor Njuki. We elected him as a Member of Parliament and twice as Governor. If he wasn’t bad then, how is he bad now?” said Karingani Ward MCA Godfrey Murithi Gaturo.

Other MCAs who voiced support for Njuki included Magumoni Ward MCA Justin Kithinji, Mariani Ward MCA Anita Mbae, Nominated MCA Wanja Karuku, and Muthambi Ward MCA Morris Maugu.