Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu Sues His Kitui Counterpart Charity Ngilu over Incitement

Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has taken his Kitui counterpart Charity Ngilu to court over her alleged incitement remarks that led to the torching of a truck ferrying charcoal from Kitui to Nairobi about two weeks ago.

Waititu wants the court to issue orders restraining Ngilu from uttering any statements in regards to the charcoal business and its transportation, pending the hearing of the application.

The Kiambu governor has further asked the court to order Ngilu to stop harassing motorists in the name of enforcing ban on charcoal business in Kitui.

“Ngilu’s speech was directed to inciting or producing lawless action and indeed produced action and the said motor vehicles were burnt,” said the governor.

Waititu also argues that businesses of some Kiambu residents have suffered as a result of Ngilu's orders.

Last week a group of Kitui residents blocked roads and burnt another vehicle belonging to a Kiambu trader. The car was carrying charcoal from Mwingi town.

The incidents came after Governor Ngilu banned charcoal business in her county in a bid to stop deforestation. She also reportedly asked residents to take action against those found violating the ban.

However, Waititu says this acts are a violation of article 40(1) of the Constitution. “This is a violation of article 39 and 47 of the Constitution,” he adds.