Committee sittings in Murang’a assembly paralyzed over leadership row

Sittings of some Murang’a county assembly committees on Wednesday were paralysed after a section of MCAs demanded the reinstatement of some members into the committee.
The MCAs vowed to block any sittings until deputy speaker Samuel Kihurunjo, MCAs Amos Murigi and Cyrus Mwangi were reinstated to their respective committees.
The three were removed from house committees through a letter by the assembly majority leader citing misconduct.
In April, the majority leader wrote to the county speaker Nduati Kariuki informing him of removal of the three members from the house committees.
Early this week, a circular by the clerk of the assembly Mr. Chris Kinyanjui informed MCA of the removal of three from house business including the Budget and Finance committees.
The circular which also notified the assembly principal finance officer and the speaker sparked uproar in the assembly with members saying they will not participate in any committee until the three are reinstated.
Kinyanjui upon sensing more danger withdrew the circular and ordered the committee clerks to allow the three into the meetings.
In the past four months, there has been tension at the county assembly following a leadership row between Murigi and majority leader Kamande, a move that has divided the members into two factions
After they were reinstated, Murigi said, the assembly will not be intimidated by the county executive but will carry out its oversight role.
“The members have freedom to decide on the membership of the committee without being manipulated by the executive,” Murigi noted.
At the same time, the members identified weak fiscal performance implementation during the first quarter of financial year 2017/2018 blaming it on political turbulence that was experienced.
In a motion by Francis Kibe, the assembly recommended that the county public and assembly service boards, to ensure formation of audit committees at the beginning of financial year 2018/2019.
Kibe said following delay to release of funds, county assembly was badly hit hence the need for a strong relationship between county and the national treasuries.
“The county assembly suffered most in the first nine months as a result of untimely funding and also little allocations,” said Kibe.
By Bernard Munyao