Embu Governor Ditches Her County Office Days After Swearing In 

Emby County Governor Cecily Mbarire while addressing Embu residents
Emby County Governor Cecily Mbarire while addressing Embu residents
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Embu governor, Cecily Mbarire, ditched her office three days after being sworn in as the new county chief over what she termed as deplorable state of county government offices.

The governor stated that she would be working from University of Embu until thorough renovation works are completed in 45 days.

Backing her move was former Embu County Assembly Leader of Minority, Lenny Mwaniki, who accused the former county boss, Martin Wambora, of staying away from the offices unless there was a public function.

“He only came to the county whenever there was a public function, stepped into the office briefly and spent his time at his hotel that doubled up as his residence,” Mwaniki claimed.

Cecily Mbarire being sworn in as the Governor of Embu at the University of Embu on August 25, 2022
Cecily Mbarire being sworn in as the Governor of Embu at the University of Embu on August 25, 2022
Kenyans.co.ke

Mwaniki affirmed that the renovation process for the office is currently underway, with the contractor under instructions to speed up the construction works.

The former Leader of Minority accused governor Mbarire's predecessor of neglecting the offices despite the County Assembly approving a budget to offset renovation works.

 According to a report by The Standard, Mwaniki stated that Wambora, who was elected 5th Chairman of Council of Governors (CoG) on June 29, 2021, spent most of his time in Nairobi offices.

Mwaniki claimed that in the 2019/2020 budget, the County Assembly allocated Ksh25 million to put up the governor's residence, which is still not complete.

This was in addition to the one-floor extension at the governor's office, which according to the County official, was allocated Ksh20 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021.

Mwaniki also revealed that in the subsequent fiscal year 2021/22, a further Ksh20 million was again channeled to the county blocks but are yet to be brought forth.

Mbarire regretted that she was taking over from the previous administration which had accumulated pending bills to a tune of Ksh2.2 billion.

She stated that she will order for a forensic audit on the said bills and where necessary, legal measures will be taken to correct the findings.

“This presents the single biggest challenge moving on because the current pending bills exceed the amount budgeted and spent in our county for all development in a single year,” Mbarire stated.

The governor, however, cautioned the current staff from playing blame games in her administration, noting that those who were not willing to adjust with her administration should pave way for those who would support her to deliver for Embu residents.

“We are not here to victimise anyone, but to ensure things run as they ought to. Those who feel uncomfortable and not ready to change should exit before we get them,” Mbarire stated.

Signpost showing Embu Level 5 hospital
Signpost showing Embu Level 5 hospital.
Daily Nation
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