The falling-out between Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga and his deputy Caroline Karugu has escalated as both resort to political rallies, social media and other underhand tactics to hit at each other.
During an interview that aired on a local TV on Wednesday, August 26, the governor claimed that Karugu no longer took part in the county’s affairs.
He further disclosed that she is never seen at the county offices adding that county staff have learned to let her chart her own path.
“The problem is that the deputy governor is not involved in government, at all, especially ours. She is not involved in government and she is busy doing other things. She is just our deputy governor by name.
“We never see her, she never comes to work, she does other things and we just let her do it,” he explained.
He also noted that the DG had not written a letter to him arguing that he was involved in a fierce battle to have the deputy governor’s powers in counties increased.
“We ask them a very simple question, if you want executive powers, why not run for governor? I mean, if you are a deputy president and want more executive powers, why not run for president?,” he posed.
However, sources said the two are not in good terms and that Mr Kahiga’s political machinery has launched an onslaught “to cut Ms Karugu to size”.
Already, employees attached to her office have been transferred to other departments.
Kahiga appointed Karugu as his deputy in April 2018 and their relationship is said to have turned sour barely eight months in.
In December 2015, the duo was forced to present a united front after rumours became awash that they were not leading the county harmoniously.
“My government is intact and contrary to claims by my detractors on social media, there is no bad blood between me and my deputy. We will continue working for the growth and prosperity of the county,” he added.
In March 2020, their differences escalated to an extent that they both resorted to political rallies, social media and other underhand tactics to attack each other.
The county boss is said to have transferred employees attached to Karugu’s office to other departments and failed to renew her Personal Assistant’s contract.
The deputy governor said it is just a matter of time before the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission pounces on the governor.
Kahiga, who was a deputy governor, assumed the office after the death of former governor Wahome Gakuru in November 2017.
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