Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has condemned fellow Governors, especially those in rural areas, for condoning graft and forfeiting their mandate.
The Governor, who led the newly created Team Wanjiku to a public rally in Machakos Town, said it is only through zero tolerance to graft that counties can attain the development agenda.
Sonko admitted that counties are still faced with challenges but said that should not give room for financial malpractices.
“I am urging Governors to step up the war on graft and help save the plight of Wanjiku,” Sonko said.
He said he has made friends and enemies through his endless purge on graft and cartels at City Hall.
“We have over 40 graft and fraud related cases still to be determined in court. Since I took oath of office I have sealed all corruption loopholes, which has resulted in efficiency. County staff are being paid on time,” Sonko said.
He urged low income earners and the poor in the country not to shy away from holding their leaders accountable, further promising to ensure that all Kenyans have an opportunity to contest for elective seats regardless of their status in the society.
His sentiments were echoed by Mavoko MP Patrick Makau, who told Governors who are engaging in misuse of public resources not to intimidate and frustrate those who raise red flags.
“You cannot be doing things wrongly and when you are questioned you try to use intimidation tactics,” Makau said.
The MP took a swipe at Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua, whom he criticized for frustrating efforts by investors and young entrepreneurs in the county to run businesses.
“We cannot have someone trying to frustrate those who want to lawfully set up businesses that will help give our youths jobs,” he said.
Politician Stanley Livondo said Team Wanjiku will hold public forums in all the 47 counties, to educate Kenyans on the need to fight for their rights.
“We are going to fight for the poor and we will walk in all the counties preaching the same message,” said Livondo.
On matters 2022, Governor Sonko called on Kenyans to distance themselves from leaders who have abandoned development for politics.
He said that Team Wanjiku will support President Uhuru Kenyatta’s efforts to unite Kenya.
“We will continue supporting the president in his efforts to bring all leaders together until his term ends, ”
Machakos County is one of the counties neighboring Nairobi and the leaders wondered why the county has stagnated in terms of business growth since the inception of devolution in 2013.
They underlined the need for counties to work together for the sake of Wanjiku.
The leaders later joined hands to donate foodstuffs to area residents.