This archive report was first published on 1 July 2020.
Published on July 1, 2020
Taita Taveta County Assembly MCAs have removed Majority Leader Jason Tuja, replacing him with Rong'e Ward Rep Harris Keke.
The move comes after a session at the assembly's chambers on Tuesday, where Speaker Meshack Maghanga informed members that the majority side had made changes to their House leadership.
The changes were prompted by a notice from 18 MCAs affiliated to the Nasa coalition, accusing Mr Tuja of failing to show leadership in the House.
Two ward representatives from the majority side refused to support the ouster.
The changes come in the wake of fierce exchanges between Mr Tuja and his colleagues following disagreements on the recently approved 2020/2021 county budget.
Mr Tuja had opposed the passing of the budget, claiming that due process was not followed before it was approved by the assembly.
"We did not have time to scrutinise the document. That is why I protested because we were not given time to go through it," Mr Tuja said.
Mr Keke has been deputised by Kasigau MCA Abraham Juma, while Mbololo MCA Godfrey Mwambi has been picked as the new majority whip, with nominated MCA Joyce Mwangoji as his deputy.
Mr Keke expressed his commitment to working closely with the executive to ensure that residents get development.
"We are working towards the same goal. We were elected by residents to represent them to ensure they get development. How do we achieve this if we keep on fighting?" he said.
