Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-04-10 13:47:00
Drama erupted at the Kakamega County Assembly on Tuesday, April 9, as a group of Members of the Assembly (MCAs) prevented the Speaker, James Namatsi, from entering the premises. This disagreement stemmed from an order issued by Edwin Sifuna, the Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), directing Namatsi to replace the Assembly’s leader of the majority. The MCAs accused Namatsi of displaying bias in his decisions.
The situation escalated as the members physically blocked the entrance to the Assembly room, leading to a confrontation when Namatsi attempted to force his way in. This clash highlighted the ongoing power struggle within the Assembly, particularly regarding leadership positions.
Over the past three weeks, a faction of Azimio MCAs has been actively pushing for leadership changes by seeking to replace Phillip Maina with Geoffrey Ondiro as the Majority Leader. This internal conflict has not gone unnoticed by Kakamega residents, who feel that the county leaders are prioritizing political disputes over providing essential services to the people.
Raphael Welimo expressed concerns about the lack of progress in the Assembly, attributing it to the Governor’s disregard for party rules. Elvis Maloba urged the MCAs to refocus on their primary role of oversight and service delivery instead of engaging in unnecessary confrontations.
This incident is not isolated, as a similar disruption occurred in March when ODM-affiliated members clashed over party leadership. The Speaker had to seek safety as tensions rose within the Assembly.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker, Edwin Sifuna formally revoked the appointment of Philip Maina Ondago as the majority leader, replacing him with Geofrey Ondiro Obonyo. However, the Assembly has refused to acknowledge and implement these changes, citing them as unjust and politically motivated.
The ongoing turmoil within the Kakamega County Assembly underscores the need for effective governance and cooperation among its members. The focus should be on serving the interests of the people rather than engaging in internal power struggles. Residents are looking for tangible results and are calling for unity and accountability from their elected officials.
As the situation unfolds, it is essential for all parties involved to prioritize the well-being of the community and work towards resolving their differences through dialogue and constructive engagement. Only by working together can the Assembly effectively fulfill its mandate and ensure the delivery of essential services to the people of Kakamega.
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