Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua has said he has no problem with Senator Johnstone Muthama.
Mutua asked Muthama who “chose to go on the offensive against the county government ever since they were elected” to work with him for the good of the county.
He noted that the county is neither centred around the governor nor the senator but residents who want development, not rhetoric and chest thumping.
“I have invited Muthama several times for a cup of tea where we can talk and iron out our differences but he has constantly declined my offer to strike a working formula,” he noted.
“It is most unfortunate that the senator had no input at all pertaining to our performance yet his position is crucial in the devolved system.”
Addressing the press outside his office on Thursday, Mutua said he wants all of the county’s leaders to move in the same direction.
“My intention is to work with all leaders in the county irrespective of political affiliation and I am open to constructive criticism which is healthy for all of us,”
A recent survey named Mutua the best performing governor in development considering projects undertaken since he took office.
The governor attributed the achievements to team work and dedication among his staff and residents’ cooperation.
Saying his development agenda was on track, Mutua noted that the county sunk 30 boreholes and recently acquired drilling equipment to counter perennial water shortages.
Regarding infrastructure, Mutua said the county government had graded 1,247 kilometers of road and tarmacked 33 kilometers from Kithimani to Makutano in a record 3 months.
“We have also recarpeted roads in Athi River for a conducive atmosphere for investors, and heightened security with numerous CCTV cameras and police patrol vehicles,” he said.
He cited other areas of focus as water and attracting investment and infrastructure development.
County Assembly Speaker Bernard Mung’ata, Majority leader Joshua Mwonga, Minority leader Thomas Kasoa and Chief officer for decentralised units and municipalities Nimrod Mbai were also present.
