Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia has dispelled claims that he had ditched the ruling Jubilee party for Amani National Congress (ANC) for his reelection bid.

A payment receipt number 1692 showed that on March 24, the Governor had paid Sh150, 000 as a nominations fee for ANC, a Kenya Kwanza affiliate party.

However, the receipt has been flagged as fake and that the Governor had on March 03 in a receipt number 780 paid Sh500, 000 for the Jubilee party nomination fee.

In a statement to newsrooms signed by Nyandarua County’s Director of Communications, Frank Ngigi, the Governor says he is firmly in the Jubilee party.

“Claims that the Governor has decamped to ANC is baseless propaganda by desperate merchants of falsehood, who have since realized that he is the candidate to beat in Nyandarua’s gubernatorial poll,” he stated.

He added that the Governor had already paid the Jubilee party’s requisite nomination fee and looking forward to participating in party primaries in April.

Kimemia will face former Water, Irrigation and Sanitation Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki, ex-governor Waithaka Mwangi, Moses Kiarie, aka Badilisha, Speaker Ndegwa Wahome, and Woman Representative Faith Gitau at the ballot.

The Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) Chief Executive Officer, Jacques Theunissen is in Kenya to explore ways through which local farmers can supply the fast-food chain with potatoes.

This follows a public outcry early this year after it emerged that the Kenyan franchise of the American fast-food chain imports potatoes from Egypt, as local potatoes go into waste.

Today, the East Africa regional boss held a consultative forum with Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia and agreed on a framework that will see local farmers supply potatoes.

According to Governor Kimemia, KFC committed to starting the purchase of pre-booked frozen potatoes from cooperatives or organized youth groups by the end of this year.

However, Nyandarua County farmers will be required to improve their potato farming and storage practices to ensure that KFC maintains the internationally set standards.

“The County and KFC agreed to establish a joint technical committee to thrash out issues, with the next engagement expected next Wednesday,” said the Governor.

KFC and the County agreed to the creation of strong linkages with local farmers in seed multiplication and high-quality potato production to ensure the sustainability of the production.

Theunissen revealed that about 80 per cent of KFC – Kenya’s supplies come from local suppliers including chicken, vegetables, buns among others.

“The retail chain is committed and continues to support the employment of local people, especially the youth, who form the largest segment of its workforce,” he stated.

On his part, Governor Kimemia reiterated his government’s commitment to continue supporting the cooperative movement in the county to create linkages to KFC and other markets.

There was drama on Monday morning at Mlimani Primary School in Ngorika, Nyandarua County after angry parents stormed the school leading to its closure just hours after pupils reported to commence their first term.

The parents who cited poor performance, alcoholism among teachers and neglect by the government to rehabilitate the school, withdrew their children.

In a peaceful demonstration, the irate parents called on the Ministry of Education to intervene in the matter and ensure the school is in good shape before learners can resume classes

“The school is in a poor state with classrooms almost collapsing especially during this rainy season. The Ministry should address this issue lest we have a disaster in this school” said Margaret Wambui- a parent at the school.

Sentiments echoed by Ms Esther Kang’iri.

Kang’iri wondered why the government transferred teachers who were performing well in the school and their slots were taken by those she termed as lazy.

According to her, the move has contributed to the poor performance among learners in the school that used to perform well.

“The government has contributed to the fall of the school by transferring teachers and replacing them with lazy ones. In addition, the school head and his teachers are never sober while attending school hence poor management” she said.

The parents also accused the management of embezzling funds at the watch of education officials in the area calling for an inquiry on the matter.

This has seen many parents withdraw their children with only 70 learners left in the school at the moment.

Attempts to get the school head’s comment on the matter were in vain.