Drama unfolded today at the Nairobi City County Assembly during the plenary as the house was adopting changes for the sectoral committees on Public Accounts and Water and Sanitation.
It all started when Majority Leader Peter Imwatok moved a motion seeking the adoption of the new committee members.
Imwatok started by new members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) where Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai was kicked out.
It was not business as usual when Majority Leader was about to read new members of the Water Committee, embattled Chairman Redson Otieno representing Ngei ward interrupted the procedure refusing the announcement being made after his name was not among the new members.
“Nothing is going to be read in this house. Why is it only Redson Otieno that is targetted? No I refuse.” Otieno shouted.
The second term ODM legislator claimed that for him to be removed as chairman, the party had to be involved.
According to the ward rep, the communication for his removal needed to come from the ODM party leader.
” For me to be removed as Chairman the communication needs to come from ODM Secretary General.” He said.
He moved from his seat to the floor of the house as he attempted to engage the Speaker on his seat.
The assembly speaker Kennedy Ngondi tried calming down the legislator asking him to take his seat as sergeant at arms tried to escort him back to his sitting position but the angered MCA refused to take his seat, stating he was ready to be suspended for the remaining part of his term.
The legislator affirmed that he has stood his ground and will not be intimidated.
“I will not allow the names of the water committee members to be read. Be fair because we are MCAs and we have been elected by our people.” Otieno added.
Ngondi ordered the Sergeant at arms to kick him out from the plenary but sat on the floor and when the sergeants attempted to lift him, a section of legislators shielded him.
“This is an honourable member, you cannot handle him like that.” Oscar Lore, Mathare MCA said.
The Speaker was forced to adjourn the assembly session to Wednesday afternoon.
“Honourable members this house stands adjourned to tomorrow (Wednesday) 2:30 pm).” Ngondi said.
Last week, Ngondi disbanded PAC and water committees justifying his actions using standing orders for the effectiveness and efficiency of the assembly.
“Notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Orders 1, 20 and 209, I direct for the disbandment of PAC committee, to reconstituted, and the Committee of Water and Sanitation, pursuant to Standing Orders 168(2) and 171(1), be disbanded and reconstituted.” He declared.
Cracks have since emerged with a section accusing the speaker of taking sides and making irregular pronouncements which is making them angered.
