Meru Governor Answers Critics After Giving Husband Two County Jobs

Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has downplayed fierce criticism that emerged after she appointed her husband Murega Baichu to two county jobs.

She was naming her Cabinet on Friday, September 30 when she appointed Baichu as the patron of Meru Youth Service and the Ambassador to Meru's hustlers. However, she noted that he will not earn a salary for the tasks given to him.

"His excellency first gentleman Murega of Meru county currently holds the ambassadorial role by the Ministry of Tourism and when you see him there he is an apostle.

Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza with President William Ruto alongside her husband Murega Baichu. /TWITTER.KAWIRA MWANGAZA

"Today we are giving him a job without pay and allowances. He will be a volunteer in the docket of Meru Youth Service," Mwangaza announced.

She added that her husband will help her carry out her mandate as the county boss and act as the voice of the hustlers in her government.

"I have also given him another powerful role as Meru Hustlers Ambassador. He will be reporting to the governor so when you see him with his cap at Governor's office, just know he will be representing the hustlers," she added.

It was that appointment that ignited backlash towards her by Kenyans who accused her of handing Baichu critical roles in the county.

Ignoring the criticism, Mwangaza appreciated her husband for accepting the roles she was entrusted with as an act of sacrifice and how much of a vital role he played in his campaigns.

"You agreed to sacrifice yourself and decided selflessly to work without pay and allowances. By accepting my ambassadorial appointment, you have proved to be a selfless gentleman.

"A pillar of my strength and my support system. Many would like to judge my open declaration, but it is only God, and I know you deserve much more than this," she said.

Mwangaza assured her constituents that there will be no conflict of interest as she takes charge for the next five years, given that this is her husband working in two government roles at once.

"I would be a hypocrite if I did not ask for your support as I govern Meru county especially due to the manner in which you singlehandedly supported me during my campaigns - with no posters, banners, or billboards," she explained her reason for appointing him.

Previously, she credited her husband for the influence he had on her policies during her campaign trail and how he propelled her manifesto.

"A while back, my husband started a TV station (Baite TV station). I used to help him in sourcing news here and there. That way, I got to understand the livelihoods of people on the ground," she stated in an interview with KTN News.

Mwangaza had previously refuted claims that Baichu was paid Ksh1.2 million to play music during her inauguration, adding that he was not even contracted for the performance.

Murega Baichu playing the guitar. /TWITTER.KAWIRA MWANGAZA