“Mniite Mrs. Zakayo!” – Kawira Mwangaza brags about collecting high county revenues

Governor Kawira Mwangaza of Meru has praised herself profusely for broadening the county’s tax base.

Speaking while on a regional tour with President William Ruto, the county executive announced that she had surpassed her 46 colleagues in terms of tax collection.

“Mr President, Meru was ranked the number one county in collecting revenues. We are leading the whole country. I said if they call you Zakayu, they should call me madam Zakayo,” she explained.

Kawira further shared her commitment to fostering development in the region.

“When you do the right things, there’s a group of sad people. But that will not deter us, we are committed to improving the livelihoods of people through farming and the creation of job opportunities,” she said.

Kenyan President Ruto has been nicknamed ‘Zakayo’ by the public due to his increased taxes and introduction of new ones since taking office in 2022, resulting in higher living costs and a need for development projects like affordable housing.

“Since I have already been referred to as Zakayo in some areas, maybe we will have a tax collector day. That’s a good proposal,” Ruto said.

President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua are currently on a 3-day tour of Meru County, where they are expected to commission various development projects.

The two were hosted by Meru County Governor Kawira Mwangaza, Senator Kathuri Murungi, and Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, among other high-ranking government officials allied with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.

On Thursday, the UDA leaders launched development projects in Buuri, Tigania West and Tigania East.

On Friday, the delegation will be in Igembe Central, Igembe North and Igembe South for a similar exercise.

Ruto and his delegation will conclude their tour of Meru County on Saturday, January 27 with a visit to South Imenti, Central Imenti and North Imenti.

During the three-day tour, Ruto is expected to hold discussions with the leadership of the county amid deep divisions that have threatened service delivery.