Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu is trending on murky grounds following backlash after suspending the CEC for Water, Environment and Natural Resources Eng John Mugwe.
Waititu in a letter dated April 12 sent Mugwe on 30 working days compulsory leave.
“I shall have a meeting with you after the expiry of your leave to agree on your performance and set targets,” part of the letter sent to Mugwe by the Governor read in part.
Though much was not detailed in the letter, the governor over the weekend according to The Standard noted that Mugwe’s strong social media presence rubbed him the wrong way which may have compounded his decision to suspend him.
“If your work is taking pictures and posting them on Facebook and WhatsApp, then we shall not allow that,” said Waititu.
Mugwe, previously, was the Roads and Transport CEC before being moved to the water docket.
After his suspension last week on Thursday, he wrote on his Facebook page: “Yours truly John Mugwe has been requested to proceed on leave for a period of 30 working days effective today. It is a shock but hoping that I will continue serving Kiambu people after the 30 days.”
His suspension angered a section of Kiambu residents impressed by his performance since he took office.
Hon Ngene Ngunu said: “Good gracious! Is it a case of outshining your master?? You were actually supposed to be promoted.”
Beth Kahia noted: “Kiambu is the only place hardwork is punished& mediocrity rewarded dnt wnt (sic) to say this but soon will say #kaba…”
Boniem Kanyi asked Mugwe just why he had to outshine the governor. “How can you outshine the governor?”
Others warned that with Mugwe’s situation, Deputy Governor James Nyoro should be ready for something similar from the governor.
“Looks like united for Kiambu is getting the royal screwing. Nyoro you should get out before things get messy…” Kuria Ngugi remarked.
Mugwe, who was vying for the county’s governorship, was among those who formed the formidable Team United Kiambu in the 2017 campaigns and ousted former governor William Kabogo.
The team was made up of Waititu, Mugwe, Nyoro, Aquiline Njoki and David Ngare alias Gakuyo.
In Waititu’s administration, Mugwe has been the most visible CEC due to his outstanding performance especially in the Roads docket and later the Water docket which he served for less than a month before he was suspended.