Kawira Mwangaza Takes a Dig at MCAs as She Signs Finance Bill She Had Rejected: "Wamejiwekea Pesa"

 

Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza 

The conflict pitting embattled Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza and a section of MCAs seems to be far from over. Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza voiced strong criticism against the County Assembly over the budget allocations. On Friday, August 23, Mwangaza finally signed the county's budget estimates for the 2024/25 fiscal year. The county's budget-making process had stalled in June due to an impasse between the Executive and the County Assembly.  How did Mwangaza criticise MCAs However, the county chief employed sarcasm as she put the MCAs on the spot over their skewed priorities in the KSh 11.8 billion Meru county budget. Governor Mwangaza pointed out that funds initially allocated to support Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), widows, and the elderly have been significantly reduced or reallocated. She highlighted that the County Assembly had also set aside substantial amounts for their personal mortgages and car purchases. "We have challenges here and there because it hasn't come the way we expected. There are funds that were allocated for PWDs. You might ask, where did they go? The Assembly, which has KSh 1.1 billion, has allocated funds for the Hansard; those KSh 100 million for PA systems; you know, they still have other funds they are using. They took more than KSh 35 million, which was allocated for mortgages and buying cars. So we thank God because the MCAs will get nice houses, and they will also buy cars, and we thank God for that. But still, widows, the elderly, and PWDs will continue to suffer," she stated. Mwangaza further expressed concern over the transfer of funds from essential departments to the County Public Service Board, which she claims are being used for non-essential activities, including leisure trips. 

by  Didacus Malowa