Trade and Industries Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has declined the request by Meru leaders to postpone the launch of the county Aggregation and Industrial Park because of the prevailing political situation in Meru.
"I have received requests from my colleague Mithika Linturi and the Meru Leadership to postpone due to the prevailing political situation in Meru," Kuria said on Sunday.
However, the CS declined noting that Kenya had more serious issues than the political situation in Meru
"With profound respect, I will not postpone," he said.
Kuria pointed out that the joblessness and poverty facing Kenyans cannot wait for even one hour as we fix our 'broken politics.'
So far the CS has launched the parks in Busia, Kakamega, Bumgoma, Trans Nzoia, Migori, Siaya, Kisii, Nyamira, Mombasa, Kajiado, Narok, and Laikipia Counties.
Trouble is brewing in Meru once again as Governor Kawira Mwangaza stares at the risk of being impeached for the second time in just 10 months after 61 out of the county's 69 MCAs expressed support for the ouster bid.
The ward representatives include 27 from President William Ruto's UDA party, 21 from the Devolution Empowerment Party, 10 from Jubilee and three from the National Ordinary Peoples Empowerment Union.
The impeachment motion is being crafted and will be tabled in the assembly soon.
On Sunday, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua received a round of applause from Meru leaders after he decided to keep off the raging political wrangles.
Gachagua who was speaking during a church service at Kaelo in the county said he would no longer intervene to broker a truce between the feuding leaders.
He told the gathering that he had been requested by a section of leaders from the county to steer clear of the matter.
"Hii ni shida ya Meru," he said amidst deafening cheers from the crowd.
“So, tumesema hawa vingozi na watu ya kanisa wameuliza rais William Ruto na mimi tukae kando kwa hivyo mimi ningetaka kuomba gavana, deputy governor, senator, CS Linturi na watu ya kanisa muketi na mdecide what is good for Meru,” he added.
This loosely translates to (The church and leaders have asked President William Ruto and myself to keep off. Therefore, I am requesting the governor, deputy governor, senator, CS Linturi, and the church to sit and decide what is good for Meru).
Last week, at least 33 MCAs from the County Assembly vowed to support the impeachment motion against Governor Mwangaza.
The MCAs said the impeachment was in the best interest of the county.
The number includes 20 MCAs from the Devolution Empowerment Party, 10 from the Jubilee Party, and three from the NOPEU Party.
Last year, Meru MCAs made a similar move but hit a snag after the Senate saved her from ouster on December 30.
This was after 67 of the 69 MCAs that were present in the Meru County Assembly impeached her on December 14 on five grounds including abuse of office just 64 days after she assumed office.
Mwangaza pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The 11-member Senate special committee chaired by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale said none of the 62 allegations levelled against her were substantiated.