Governor Mutua wants his deputy prosecuted for suspending county staffers

Machakos Governor Dr. Alfred Mutua now wants legal action taken against his Deputy Bernard Kiala after he suspended two county executives during his long absence.

In an exclusive interview with Hot 96 FM, Mutua said that Kiala illegally assumed the role of a Governor during his absence while on a trip abroad.

The Machakos Governor now says his deputy should face the law over his action.

Early March, Kiala suspended two county executives and a chief officer.

The Governor, however, reinstated them upon arrival saying it was illegal for him to suspend the county staffers.

Mutua further added that his deputy had violated the constitution and the County Government Act adding that he cannot delegate the power to nominate, appoint and dismiss officers.

In January, Kiala was summoned to appear before the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over claims that he diverted irrigation and water supply materials worth Ksh 23 million meant for the community to his farm.

Governor Mutua had previously accused his deputy of diverting water pipes worth Ksh 13 million meant for a water project in Kibaoni, Mwala sub-location to his farm in Masinga where he had initiated a personal irrigation scheme worth Ksh 15 million.

Mutua further accused his deputy of accepting bribes, claiming that he manipulates the tendering process to favour certain individuals and companies.

On his part, Kiala rubbished the accusations claiming that Mutua was playing cheap politics.