Drama as angry MCAs deny speaker access to chambers
What you need to know:
- His seat was declared vacant after a petition by the residents of cattle rustling prone areas in Baringo, who accused him of vested interests in the conflicts resulting from cattle theft.
- The locals presented the petition to the assembly on March 4 last year, after which it adopted a report by a 10-man committee presented to the House. Kisanana MCA Jacob Cheboiwo chaired the committee.
- Justice Stephen Radido, of the Industrial Court in Nakuru, had earlier suspended the speaker’s removal and had also stopped re-election of a new speaker to allow related suits before court to be determined.
Drama unfolded at the Baringo County Assembly in Kabarnet yesterday when MCAs denied reinstated Speaker William Kamket entry into the chambers.
Members ousted the speaker in March last year over claims he had violated the law and was also fuelling cattle rustling in Arabal, Baringo South Sub-County, to achive selfish ends.
But on Tuesday, the High Court reinstated the speaker.
However, the MCAs, led by Majority Leader Elijah Toroitich, said the speaker still had other cases he needed to sought out before he can be allowed back.
The sergeant-at-arms closed the gates saying he had strict instructions from MCAs not to allow Mr Kamket in.
“Napiga hodi nirudi kazini, jameni (I am knocking at the door, I want to resume work, please),” the speaker begged.
RESUME DUTIES
“The court ruling has cleared me and I can now resume my duties,” Mr Kameket said.
But Minority Leader Wesley Lekakimnon would have none of that. “You still have other pending cases in court which must be cleared as well. Go away for now and deal with those cases and we will have no problem with you,” Mr Lekakimnon said.
And while this was happening, anti-riot police officers were watching keenly, just in case of any eventuality.
Deputy Speaker Douglas Kiplimo said Mr Kamket ceased to be the speaker time he was removed following a petition by residents of Arabal who accused him of fuelling conflicts in the area.
“He has no moral authority because 40 out of 47 MCAs voted him out,” said Mr Kiplimo.
“We are asking him to wait for the verdict of the court on the other charges facing him, including of incitement.”
“He already lost the confidence of the assembly, or does he want to lead the seven members who voted in his favour?.”
Barwessa MCA Joseph Makilap said: “Mr Kamket must stay away from normalcy to return to return in the House.”
His seat was declared vacant after a petition by the residents of cattle rustling prone areas in Baringo, who accused him of vested interests in the conflicts resulting from cattle theft.
The residents also accused the speaker of incitement and failing to stop violence in Arabal.
But Mr Kamket denied all the allegations against him.
But Mr Kamket who addressed journalists later said he is ready to serve the people and accused those who denied him entry of doing do so to their own personal interests.
“They are still in denial that the court reinstated me as the speaker,” said Mr Kamket.
“They have a skewed interpretation of the law. I am moving to court so that the orders can be made clear.”
The other MCAs who blocked the speaker from entering the assembly included Mr Reuben Chepsongol (Saimo Soi/Kipsaraman), Mr Jacob Cheboiywo (Kisanana) and Mr Valentine Sergon (nominated).
The locals presented the petition to the assembly on March 4 last year, after which it adopted a report by a 10-man committee presented to the House. Kisanana MCA Jacob Cheboiwo chaired the committee.
At least 210 people signed the petition before it was presented to the deputy speaker.
“We have adjourned the House business from until a new speaker is appointed,” said Majority Leader Mr Toroitich.
“As we speak, we have declared the seat vacant which will soon be advertised,” he added.
Justice Stephen Radido, of the Industrial Court in Nakuru, had earlier suspended the speaker’s removal and had also stopped re-election of a new speaker to allow related suits before court to be determined.
The judge also barred the assembly clerk from advertising the speaker’s post and processing any applications.
PERSONAL REASONS
In March this year, Lady Justice Cecilia Githua disqualified herself from the case citing personal reasons. But on Tuesday, the High Court in Eldoret reinstated Mr Kamket.
Justice George Kimondo said the Speaker’s suspension was unconstitutional and highly irregular since the MCAs failed to follow right procedure.
“The judicial review reveals the removal or suspension of the speaker must follow all the rules of outstanding orders and it should be done fairly in the interest of the public,” he said.
“The MCAs erred while suspending the speaker since the business of the suspension was not appearing in the order paper of that day,” said Justice Kimondo in his judgement.
