Local Authorities: The Anchor August 2011

HEADS rolled in Local Authorities elections in Ukambani as civic leaders held the last elections under the old Constitution where councillors run councils.New leaders were elected in Machakos Municipal Council, Masaku County Council, Makueni Town Council and Mtito Andei Town Council while Kitui County and Municipal Councils, Mavoko Municipality and Kangundo as well as Mwingi retained the old order.

Cllr Timothy Kilonzo will now enjoy the next one year as Mayor of Machakos and go into history as the last Councillor to be Mayor  of Machakos. Mayor Kilonzo was elected unopposed  in a peaceful election witnessed by full public gallery, ousting his boss Cllr Fidellis Kimuyu in broad daylight.
Former deputy mayor councillor Benson Muasa  made a come back unopposed as thenew deputy mayor.
 Councillor Kimuyu had served as the town mayor for two terms. Kimuyu could hardly garner the requisite numbers to stage a fight, allowing his opponents to go in unopposed. Picture Caption:

The newly elected mayor urged the public to work closely with the council in the
service delivery business.
“I thank God for this opportunity to serve Machakos residents. I also thank my fellow councillors fro entrusting me with this position. I will work hard together with all councillors to make sure residents get quality services,” Kilonzo said in his maiden speech after being crowned the new town mayor
The Town Clerk Sheikh Abdullahi lauded the civic leaders for holding a peaceful and democratic election and urged the councilors to work in harmony with council officials in provision of services to residents.
“This is a service delivery institution therefore councillors and council officials need to work together in partnership with all stakeholders. We also call upon the residents to feel free and visit the council and enquire about projects being carried out in their wards.” said the Town Clerk.
Others elected unopposed as chairs of various committees are Oliver Nzeki Munyaka (Finance), Jonathan Mumo (Audit), Mutevu Wambua (Town Planning works and housing), Bernard Masai (Education and social services), Joseph Mutiso (Environment), Bernard Kisilu (Public Health) and Nina Kala (HIV/AIDS)
At the Masaku County Council, incumbent  County Chairman Mr S Mangeli was also ousted by his deputy Mr  Christopher  Muindu. Muindu was elected unopposed even as  a court order stopping the election was beaten on technicalities. In Kitui County Council   Cllr Nzyoni Manguye and his team were re-elected to lead the council. The same feat was repeated at the Kitui Municipality where Cllr  Alex Munywoki and his team was re-elected.
In Mavoko, Mayor Patrick Makau was re-elected  as with his team. In Mwingi Town Council, Cllr Nzungu Musya alias Uncle and Mr Kisio Kimanzi retained their seats unopposed as Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively. In Makueni, Cllr Muli Matia was ousted by Justus Kituku as Chairman of the Wote Town Council. In Kangundo, Councillor Sammy Mweki and his team were returned to office unopposed.
In Mtito Andei Town Council, Cllr  K Maluti ousted Cllr Kyalo Laiti as Council Chairman. As we went to Press, Makueni County Council was yet to hold its elections but indications were that incumbent County Chairman Mr B Musau was having an irresistible challenge from former Chairman Alloise Mwaiwa alias Syokati, who had herded away a huge group of councilors to a retreat, leaving Musau with a fight for his life. If he loses the seat, Musau will have hit a hurdle in his stated quest to be the Governor of Makueni.