This archive report was first published on 16 October 2019.
Kenya: Nakuru MCAs Defy Jubilee, Reject Motion to Attend Kenyatta's Naivasha Function ¶
On Wednesday, October 16, 2019, the Nakuru County Assembly made a rare decision, rejecting a motion to reschedule its House business to allow Members of County Assembly (MCAs) attend President Uhuru Kenyatta's function in Naivasha.
The motion, moved by Chief Whip Melvin Kipkoech Kutol and seconded by his deputy Wahome Jambo Kenya, was met with strong opposition from MCAs who argued that the House had crucial businesses to attend to.
MCAs Timothy Kabutu Kabiru and Josphat Githinji Murage expressed their concerns, stating that the House should not be held hostage by the presidential function. They argued that the House had a tight schedule, with plenary sessions and committee meetings to attend to.
Naivasha East MCA Stanley Karanja also spoke out against the motion, stating that the House Business Committee had not sanctioned it, as required by House Standing Orders. He added that the motion was not in line with the agreement reached by Speaker Kairu and Leader of Majority Moses Ndung'u Kamau to hold the morning and afternoon sessions simultaneously.
Majority Leader Ndung'u concurred with Karanja, stating that House business would not be disrupted. However, Nominated MCA Alice Kering (ODM) faulted Ndung'u for stating that only Jubilee MCAs were invited to the Naivasha function.
Despite the opposition, the motion was ultimately rejected, with MCAs deciding to prioritize their House business over attending the presidential function.
