DO NOT PAY COUNTY RATES UNTIL CASE IS DETERMINED, KIAMBU RESIDENTS WARNED.
Led by officials of JAMOFASTAR Welfare Association, the residents vowed soldier on with the fight until justice prevailed. They called on the members to remain united and unbowed to any pressure from the authorities since the court had already ruled that the rates and charges that County Government was demanding were null and void since they had been suspended by the court till the determination of the case that is scheduled for the 15th of this Month.
Speaking in the forum, youth leader and 2017 Hospital Ward aspiring candidate Mr. Zack Mwangi said that Kiambu residents were only obligated to pay an amount equivalent to 15% above the rates that were in force in 2009 since all the previous Financial Acts had been ruled unconstitutional by previous courts. He added that the county government had failed to listen to the voice of reason, ending up charging rates they themselves felt were right but ignoring the financial ability of the residents; thus setting amounts that were way beyond their financial might.
He appealed to the Kiambu County Assembly, which he said was the people's representative, to change tact and always fight for the interests of the people they represented.
Speaking in the same forum, JAMOFASTAR Spokesman Mr. John Mwangi Njuguna said that it was quite unfortunate that the both Kiambu County Executive and Assembly had resulted to ignoring public participation in its operations, pitting its people against them. This has led to the masses feeling shortchanged by their leaders. He concluded by saying that once bitten twice shy. Therefore, the 'Wanjikus' had now resolved that come the next General Elections, they would prepare a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that would be used as a binding contract between them and all those aspiring for elective posts, promising to safeguard their interests and well being at all times once they assumed office.
Mr. Muhoro, a Committee Member asked they County Government to be humane in the way they dealt with the issues of its residents. He said that it never augur well for them to look as if they were always out to oppress their subjects.
Madaraka Market Traders Chairperson Mr. Thomas Kasyoki, speaking in solidarity with the residents appealed to them to remain united and never let that spirit to die down.
Present at the meeting was the Hospital Ward MCA Hon. Mwangi Wamwangi who is also the area representative, all JAMOFASTAR officials, their lawyer Professor Kiama Wangai among other residents representatives from other sub counties.
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