Jubilee Members of the Laikipia County Assembly on Wednesday replaced the house Majority Leader Peter Thomi of Githiga Ward with his Igwamiti counterpart Joseph Kiguru.
The MCAs who form the majority in the house also axed the Deputy Majority Leader Mutahi Muritu (Tigithi Ward) and replaced him with his Nanyuki Town Ward counterpart Veronica Ikunywa.
The changes in the house leadership was communicated by Speaker Patrick Waigwa, after he received minutes of a meeting, chaired by Assembly Whip who is also Segera Ward Representative Charubo Kaparo.
The assembly further removed Thomi from the County Assembly Public Service Board together with Minority Leader and Sosian ward Rep Jacob Edom who were replaced by Umande Ward MCA Daniel Mugweru and nominated MCA Catherine Kibue.
Kiguru, the incoming majority leader said that there has been miscommunication in the running of the government and this was the reason for the removal of his predecessor.
“We need to set the records straight especially when it comes to matters of communication by the party in the County and also at the assembly,” Kiguru said.
He noted that the Jubilee Party MCAs and those from the allied parties held a meeting that came up with the changes.
“Members from Jubilee and other friendly parties represented in the house sat together and decided to make the changes that have been announced today,” Kiguru added.
After making the Communication during the morning session, the Speaker barred any reactions or congratulatory messages from Members noting that the matter was a party issue and he only needed to make sure that it had abided by the assembly standing orders.
Thomi who was not present during the session while reaching for comments noted that it was an illegality and would be seeking answers from the Party Headquarters while the Minority Leader Jacob Edom protested his removal from the service board noting that the seat should have gone to Laikipia North instead of East.
Ikunyua said that they will further effect other changes in the leadership of the various committees in the near future.
“We are likely to see more changes coming up soon in the house to ensure that those tasked with party responsibility act accordingly,” Ikunywa said.
By Martin Munyi
