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| Gov. Mutua(Right) and his deputy Mr Kiala |
His inaugural speech, made after he was sworn into office along with his deputy Mr Bernard Kiala, was underlined by a promise that he would ensure piped water in all households in the county in coming days. How this is to be achieved and the time frame involved is undoubtedly a daunting task. Residents attending the event cheered him devotedly when he made the pledge, underlining the significance water represents in the county.
His speech at the Machakos Kenyatta Stadium, in the words of outgoing Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka showed that the youthful governor had sizable fire in his belly. He urged him on, sounding like he understood how frightening the governor’s water target was. “As you set out with your water pledge, ensure that you try first to attain it for the Machakos Municipality”, Mr Musyoka advised.
The ceremony was presided over by Machakos High Court Judge Lady Justice Lilian Mutende and assisted by the outgoing Machakos Chief Magistrate Mary Anne Murage.
Among those at the event was Machakos Speaker Mr Bernard Mungata, Machakos County Commissioner Anne Gakuria,EALA MP Peter Mathuki,MPs elect Patrick Makau (Mavoko),Maweu Katatha (Kangundo) Stephen Mule (Matungulu), and Machakos Women Representative Dr.Susan Musyoka.
However, Governor Mutua promised an all inclusive county government. “I will constitute a county cabinet that will have the face of the entire region to ensure the interest of all the residents are taken care of.”, he said
The governor said he will be submitting 10 names to the county assembly for approval to sit in his cabinet. The law requires that the County Assembly approves some key actions of the Governor like appointment of County Executive Committee members and his budget proposals.
“I will forward these names to the County Assembly for vetting and approval before they are appointed”, Dr.Mutua said adding those to serve in the cabinet will be men and women of high integrity.
The governor promised what he termed servant leadership and assured employees of the local authorities in the county that no one will be dismissed but warned that laxity will not be tolerated. “Those not ready to walk the talk with us should prepare to go home early before we show them the door”, added the governor.
Dr.Mutua said his government will give priority to water and security issues among other development agenda in his manifesto.
Meanwhile,the Transition Authority (TA) is working round the clock to ensure the proposed governor’s offices are ready for occupation the shortest time possible.
The Authority’s County Coordinator Mrs Bridget Wambua said renovations of the Governor’s offices at the Horticultural Development Authority (HCDA) building in Miwani estate are almost complete.
Mrs.Wambua assured the Governor of the Authority’s maximum support to enable him and his team to discharge their duties in a conducive environment.
“We are ready to cooperate and work closely with Dr.Mutua and his team in their endeavors”, said Mrs.Wambua.
