Drama ensued at the Makueni County Assembly on Tuesday evening when some Members of County Assembly exchanged blows following remarks made by Makueni Women Representative, Rose Museo concerning open discrimination against nominated MCAs.
Trouble started when Kasikeu Member of County Assembly, Julius Monari Tangai (PICK) stood in the Chambers to ask whether Museo had authority to question why nominated MCAs were kicked out of retreats conducted at Panari Hotel over the weekend.
Tangai further warned Museo to stop interfering with the affairs of the county assembly and concentrate on other matters that pertains to her work.
In response, nominated MCA, Urbanus Wambua (Wiper) defended Museo, saying she had a right to comment on especially the treatment nominated MCAs were undergoing when it comes to retreats conducted away from the county.
This interjection infuriated Tangai who descended on Wambua with blows and kicks and was assisted by other MCAs during the evening session that had come to a close.
“I had stood to respond to claims that Museo had no authority to address matters concerning county assembly. I was cornered and elected leaders led by Tangai beat me up with blows and kicks and chairs,” said Wambua who sustained a dislocation on the left shoulder and was treated at a private hospital in Wote town.
He also said that as he defended himself, his shirt was torn during the Tuesday evening incident that is alleged to have taken place after the Speaker had been escorted out of the chambers.
When contacted for comment, the Makueni County Assembly Speaker, Douglas Mbilu denied that there had been a fight, saying the complainant is an actor playing 2022 politics with help from external actors.
Mbilu further said that he has not reported to him as required by law governing conduct of members in the assembly, which is Powers and Privileges Committee.
At the same time, the Speaker said that the footage from the CCTV indicates that the MCA tore his shirt while he was in his car while, adding that they will establish the dislocation from the doctor.
“A bunch of three MCAs does not represent the 18 nominated, they are seeking sympathy and attention. Someone campaigning for governor is behind this. Listen to those interested in assembly issues, you will know who he or she is,” said Mbilu through SMS.
Last week on Friday, Makueni MCAs were called for a meeting in Nairobi to discuss on the 2019/2020 budget estimates.
However, on Saturday the meeting was adjourned by Ivingoni/Nzambani Ward MCA who is also Deputy Speaker, Harrison Mutie.
It emerged later that the elected MCAs had a different communication and they were left behind to continue with house business barring the nominated MCAs.
The County assembly has 15 female nominated MCAs majority from the Wiper party and that was not the first time they were locked out of an assembly retreat, last year they were kept off a retreat in Mombasa.
According to one of the ward reps who sought anonymity for fear of being sidelined in the assembly, the exchange has been fueled by the rivalry between Kalonzo and Kibwana succession politics of 2022.
“This is purely Kalonzo-Kibwana feud. Nominated MCAs from the Wiper Party and those allied to Wiper Party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka are getting subjected to discrimination and frustrations,” an MCA said.
On his part, Francis Mutuku, Makueni Wiper chairperson who is the immediate former majority leader said the perpetrators should be arrested immediately.
“There is discrimination of the highest order in the house. This was done at the full glare of the Speaker, Majority
Leader and the whip and it’s unacceptable. Nominated MCAs are getting ejected from meetings for some members to share proceeds of corruption in their absence,” said Mutuku.
Speaking to Kenya News Agency on phone, the Makueni County Police Commander (CPC), Joseph Ole Naipeyan said that they are aware of the case, adding that the MCA suffered a dislocation on his left shoulder.
However, he said the police cannot investigate the case until the assembly’s Powers and Privileges Committees allows them only then can they proceed and arrest the culprits involved.
By Patrick Nyakundi
