This archive report was first published on 15 November 2019.
Nairobi, Kenya - In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Nairobi County Assembly, 44 MCAs allied to the National Super Alliance (NASA) coalition signed a petition to remove their Minority Leader Elias Otieno on November 14, 2019.
The petition was handed over to the party's Minority Whip Peter Imwatok, who stated that the move was guided by the Nairobi County Assembly Standing Order 21 and Section 10(3) of the County Governments Act, 2017.
"A member designated under paragraph (1) may be removed by the party or coalition of parties that designated him or her by two-thirds of votes all members of the second largest party or coalition of parties in the County Assembly," Imwatok quoted.
According to Imwatok, the party has 48 hours to replace Otieno, under the Assembly's Standing Order 21 (1) which gives the party the sole mandate to do so.
Otieno, who represents the Kileleshwa ward in Nairobi County Assembly, has been accused of defying the ODM party position on several occasions, including on the reinstatement of Assembly Speaker Beatrice Elachi.
He was also accused of undermining the ODM candidate in the Kibra by-election, Imran Okoth, after he publicly announced his support for Amani National Congress (ANC) candidate Eliud Owalo.
The MCAs also cited his incompetence, claiming that he failed to provide the Minority Party/Coalition with direction when required.
He was accused of opposing the nomination of Nairobi West MCA Maurice Gari to the Assembly's Public Service Board.
MCAs faulted Otieno for going to court to sue ODM over his nomination, instead of using dispute resolution mechanisms under the party's constitution.
Otieno was also accused of disrespecting the women leadership.
