Meru Members of County Assembly (MCAs) suffered a major blow in their pursuit of a Ward Development Fund after the controller of budget, Margaret Nyakang'o, deemed their demands unattainable.
The announcement allowed the area governor, Kawira Mwangaza, to breathe a sigh of relief after months of wrangling with the lawmakers.
Nyakang'o vetoed the proposal arguing that it was not anchored in any law. She further urged the MCAs to focus on their oversight and representation role.
“There will be no Ward Development Fund as was demanded by MCAs because their demand is not arched in any law," Mwangaza stated after the meeting.
According to the governor, the wrangling parties resolved to develop a harmonious working relationship with each arm playing its constitutional mandate.
The governor and her county executive committee (CEC) were reminded of their role of planning regional balanced projects with the approval of the MCAs.
Mwangaza also agreed to involve the MCAs and the public in sharing of county resources to ensure balance and accountability.
"Both Executive and County Assembly need to work together but with each arm sticking to its mandate and functions," Kawira stated.
"MCAs can participate in these public participation sessions as members of respective communities and should not dictate what projects should be included in the list," the governor added.
Governor Mwangaza's first weeks in office were defined by drama and counter-accusations between her and MCAs.
At the centre of the conflict was the demand to actualize a proposal for a Ward Development Fund akin to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
The MCAs also accused Mwangaza of disregarding the assembly and appointing his relatives to county jobs.
