This archive report was first published on 10 October 2019.
On October 7, 2019, Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui celebrated World Habitat Day at Nawascoal briquettes plant in Kaloleni, Nakuru County. However, his decision to centralize all procurement processes has sparked outrage among MCAs.
According to the MCAs, the move is against the Public Finance Management Act and undermines the county assembly's authority. They accused Governor Kinyanjui of running a 'one-man-show' and suspended their normal afternoon sitting to discuss the development.
MCAs Mariashoni MCA Douglas Ayabei and Dundori MCA Michael Machembu led the protest, terming the decision as 'a matter of urgent and serious concern to the county'. They also took issue with the appointment of Samuel Wachira as the acting director of procurement and elevating Grishon Githiomi Nono to deputise him in the department.
“We cannot continue sitting pretty and silent, watching the governor act as if the assembly doesn’t exist or we don’t know our role. Policy matters have to be approved by the assembly and his actions were rogue,” said Douglas Ayabei.
Michael Machembu added that the move was unconstitutional and likely to jeopardise county operations and follow up on procurement queries. “The law provides that chief officers in respective departments answer queries on procurement matters,” he said.
