Muguka farmers and traders in Embu have come out strongly in defense of Governor Cecily Mbarire over claims of her ‘unpopular’ political stand and poor service delivery.
Among accusations levelled against her include support of the UDA government that is deemed by some as an oppressive regime, plotting for impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and failure of healthcare service in the county.
They accused her political rivals in the county of being behind the propaganda aimed at maligning her name for political expediency, saying she had so far tried her best to spur development in the county.
They credited her leadership for addressing key issues including ban instituted on entry, sale and consumption of muguka in coastal counties of Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale.
Speaking at a press briefing in Embu Town on Friday morning, the farmers said she was the only leader from the county who stood up for them to have the ban lifted and have the multimillion trade restored.
“Those who are fighting her and portraying her as a non-performer did not come to our rescue at the hour of need,” said farmer Stephen Ndaraga.
Another farmer and youth leader Nicodemus Muriithi said she had also gone out of her way to source for new markets outside the country including Djibouti that expressed interest in the herbal stimulant.
Ndaraga at the same time accused leaders of inciting residents against her by shifting and heaping blame on her over their own failures.
Over impeachment of Gachagua and challenges facing the Social Health Authority (SHA) program, the famers termed the accusations as blameless as the functions fall under the purview of parliamentarians.
“Some of these leaders who supported the SHA bill in parliament and voted for it are the ones now blaming her for its failures in our hospitals,” Ndaraga said.
They called on her critics to focus on solutions rather than engage in blame games.
Other projects they credited her for include newly refurbished Moi Stadium, County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP), water projects and construction of Sh. 700 million ultramodern market in Embu Town.
