This archive report was first published on 22 November 2019.
Embu Governor Martin Wambora has found himself in a fresh storm after suing the county assembly for suspending revenue collection, citing corruption allegations.
According to reports, the governor has filed a petition at the High Court in Embu, challenging a motion that suspended all revenue collection until officials accused of corruption step aside for investigations.
The county assembly had accused Wambora of abetting corruption by transferring officials implicated in graft to other departments instead of sacking them.
Specifically, the MCAs accused Jane Mugambi, the gender and social services chief officer, of failing to account for Sh15 million meant for the Women’s Empowerment Programme in the 2017/2018 financial year.
They also accused Ruth Ndirangu, the former chief officer for lands and physical planning, of irregularly paying Sh60 million for the acquisition of land in the Mwea Settlement Scheme.
Additionally, the MCAs want Mary Munene, the chief officer for infrastructure and public works, and Michael Ngoroi, her lands counterpart, sacked for being incompetent.
Wambora had previously battled MCAs who impeached him twice during his first term in office.
On November 22, 2019, Justice Florence Muchemi issued a conservatory order restraining the Embu county public service board and county secretary Jason Nyaga from implementing the resolutions made by the assembly until the suit is heard and determined.
