Homa Bay MCAs reject 'cheap' soda and mandazi treat after passing County budget

Homa Bay MCAs rejected light refreshments, sodas and mandazi, that they were offered after passing the 2016/2017 county budget on June 29, 2016. They demanded to be taken to the pricey Cold Spring Hotel. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • MCAs wanted to enjoy an expensive treat after passing the county budget.
  • Trouble started moments after Speaker Samwel Ochilo asked the members to meet at the Assembly ground for refreshments.

  • When the politicians realised that their demands would not be met, they each walk to their respective vehicles and drove away.

Members of the Homa Bay County Assembly boycotted light refreshments, sodas and mandazi, given to them after passing the budget.

The ward representatives said the offer was substandard and demanded to be treated for lunch at the high-end Cold Spring Hotel or be given cash.

They sought to know whether they were kindergarten kids or high school students to be offered sodas and mandazi after such an important exercise.

County Executive Committee member for Finance David Okeyo who had just read the 2016/2017 budget estimates in the Assembly found himself on the receiving end after the MCAs demanded to be taken for lunch at the hotel.

Cold Spring is the most flashy hotel in the county and attracts well-oiled clientele who desire better entertainment and comfort.  

Trouble started moments after Speaker Samwel Ochilo asked the members to meet at the Assembly ground for refreshments.

However, when the MCAs arrived at the decorated tents for refreshments, they were shocked to find only sodas, biscuits and mandazi laid on the tables.

“This is unacceptable to elected leaders. We are not school children to be treated to sodas and mandazi,” one of them fumed.

However, a seemingly bemused Dr Okeyo said he could not transfer them to the hotel for lunch.

“Honourable members, we were not aware of such an arrangement. Allow us to consult with our superiors,” said Dr Okeyo before he was whisked away by his aides as some of the MCAs continued to grumble.

When the politicians realised that their demands would not be met, they each walk to their respective vehicles and drove away.

(Editing by Joel Muinde)