Police block Murang’a County officials from water company offices

Murang'a County Water and Irrigation CEC Paul Macharia (right) during a confrontation with former MD of Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company, Mr Daniel Ng'ang'a (left), on January 15, 2018. A row over the management of the water company has been going on. PHOTO | NDUNG'U GACHANE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • CEC has been operating from the premises after a court rejected the water company’s application to dismiss the caretaker committee.

  • Others who were denied access are Acting Managing Director Mary Nyaga, her secretary and Nominated MCA Stephen Habire Chege.

  • On his part, Mr Ng'ang'a told the CEC off, saying that neither him nor the governor are his employers.

  • The confrontation lasted for one hour.

There was drama at the Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company (Muwasco) Monday morning when over 20 police officers blocked County Executive Member for Water and Irrigation Paul Macharia from accessing the premises.

The CEC has been operating from the premises after a court rejected the water company’s application to dismiss the caretaker committee.

Police officers would not allow in any officer from Governor Mwangi Wa Iria's office saying there was a court order restraining all officers affiliated to the governor.

Others who were denied access are Acting Managing Director Mary Nyaga, her secretary and Nominated MCA Stephen Habire Chege.

However, former managing director, Mr Daniel Ng'ang'a, was the only person who was allowed in and was warmly received by the staff who eagerly waited for him at the parking lot.

CARRIED SHOULDER HIGH

Immediately after the gate was opened for him by the police, the staff carried him shoulder high as they danced with ululations while others were whistling.

They carried him to his office which has since been occupied by Mr Macharia while its door locks have been changed.

The joyful staff destroyed posters which read "Office of the Governor, CEC Water and Irrigation Office".

After about 20 minutes of singing and dancing, Mr Ng'ang'a told his staff that he is officially back and instructed them to report to their work stations.

A table and a chair were placed outside the office where Mr Ng'ang'a settled and was given a brief by officers from technical departments on the status of the company since he was forced to go on compulsory leave.

While addressing journalists, Mr Ng'ang'a said he had returned to work since the caretaker committee that sent him on compulsory leave are not his employers, insisting that his employer is the Board of Directors at Muwasco.

The board is headed by Equity Bank chairman Peter Munga.

COURT ORDER

He said the committee acted in total disregard of the law since there was a court order allowing him to continue serving.

"The caretaker committee and some other people ejected me forcefully out of office but I'm now back since no one is above the law,” he said.

He said customers had received a misguided information on the change of the accounts through which they are supposed to pay for their bills, from Equity Bank to Family Bank, saying the process was flawed.

"The board had not authorised the change of accounts. My team will send another message to advise our customers,” he said.

After 40 minutes, the CEC stormed the premises and ordered Mr Ng'ang'a to leave the premises.

They harsh words as they argued on who is rightfully allowed to be in the office.

"I gave you a compulsory leave and you are not authorised to be here…we will not allow this," said the Water CEC.

On his part, Mr Ng'ang'a told the CEC off, saying that neither him nor the governor are his employers.

The confrontation lasted for one hour.