This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
On June 16, 2020, Homa Bay County Assembly witnessed a sharp division among its members following the leadership's decision to scrap the minority leader post.
Acting Speaker Godfrey Anyango announced in the plenary that the seats of minority leader, minority whip, and their deputies ceased to exist, citing a ruling from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party's tribunal.
However, the announcement was met with anger from a number of MCAs, including Ruma Kaksingri MCA Eliphalet Osuri, who termed the move as a violation of the assembly's standing orders.
“Existence of minority side of a county assembly is anchored in the county constitution. It is an irregularity to scrap the post,” Osuri said.
The commotion forced Mr. Anyango to end the proceedings prematurely, with MCAs rebuking the speaker's decision and accusing him of making changes without consulting members.
As the session turned chaotic, MCAs engaged in a fist fight, with some shouting in Dholuo, “Wabiro goyou (We will beat you). Kare goya wa (I dare you to beat me).”
The Homa Bay County Assembly has 60 MCAs, with 58 from the ODM party, one from Wiper party, and the other elected on an independent ticket.
