Former Kiambu governor William Kabogo has warned governor Waititu against blaming him noting he should carry his own cross.
Governor Ferdinand Waititu had blamed William Kabogo after his plan to increase land rates flopped.
Landowners in the county were angered after Waititu’s government abruptly increased rates to a point where owners who had been paying Sh350 were required to pay Sh38,000.
Speaking to Daily Active Kenya, Kabogo tells Waititu to carry his own cross and he shouldn’t blame him for his woes in the County government.
“Governor Waititu should carry his own cross, why should he (Waititu) blames me and I’m not in the government, why did he introduced the new rates without public participation? my brother Waititu, kindly mind the welfare of those who got you to power and stop soiling my name,” Kabogo said.
Kabogo states that Waititu should have consulted the public before the implementation of the proposed increment.
Senator Kimani Wamatangi had told Governor Ferdinand Waititu the proposed increments were unrealistic and did not allow for public participation.
“The increased land rates must be reviewed and lowered. The county ought to have increased the rates according to the law. Residents and leaders must be given a chance to give their suggestions on the amount that the county administration should raise,” said Mr. Wamatangi.
Thika MP Patrick Wainaina said the county government should be reasonable even as it seeks to increase rates with a view of widening its revenue base.
Mr. Wainaina said the rates were “oppressive”, adding that the majority of residents could not afford to pay up.
“There is no way the county can wake up one day and increase land rates by 1,000 percent. That is not fair and only amounts to oppressing locals. Any rates imposed by the county should be affordable and reasonable,” he said.
Kenya Association of Manufacturers CEO Phyllis Wakianga also wrote to the Land CEC James Maina terming the fees as exaggerated, unrealistic and unlawful.
After the public outcry, governor Waititu has suspended the new land rates to allow time for consultation.