Ranguma’s victory party called off amid criticism

A planned homecoming party for Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma this weekend has been postponed indefinitely to accommodate views of the public on how it should be hosted.

The organisers of the event yesterday said there were overwhelming demands that more local leaders be involved in planning for the celebration.

They revealed that they were forced to reschedule the function as some of the chief guests, among them ODM leader Raila Odinga, are out of the country.

Questions have also been raised on why the fete is being held two years after Mr Ranguma assumed office.

There were indications that the party could be held on April 3.

But the governor has dismissed the claims of non-involvement of local leaders and termed as inconsequential, questions about the two-year wait.

He told the Nation that the event was amongst a series of cultural and prayer events that community members in various sub-counties in Kisumu have invited him to.

“Although they are organised by the community groups at no expense to the County Government, they are important informal platforms for me and other county officials to get feedback from the citizens on service delivery,” he said.

The agenda for the events must be focused on not only celebrating the progress made so far, but also discussing the development challenges facing the county, he added.

“We have advised the organisers of such events in any part of the County to include all the leaders and other development partners,” Mr Ranguma told the Nation in response to questions forwarded to his office.

The governor’s invite went viral on social media with residents claiming that the event’s organisation has been reduced to a one clan affair, without considering the cosmopolitan nature of the county.
But these criticisms have been countered by supporters who said Kano clan - to which Mr Ranguma belongs - had a right to play a key role in honouring its son.

“ It is alright for a clan to be proud and congratulate their son, even if he is the governor of Kisumu County,” read one post by Ms Liz Yogo.

At the same time, the trouble at the Kisumu County Assembly has reared its head again after the Court of Appeal issued orders barring the embattled Speaker, Ms Anne Adul, from executing her duties.
The court gave the orders when it allowed a case filed by the Assembly, challenging Ms Adul’s reinstatement.

The court said the appeal raised crucial issues and would be concluded within 60 days.

Ms Adul, had sought to stop the matter, saying it did not warrant an appeal.

But in a ruling at the Kisumu Law Courts on Wednesday, Justice David Maraga said the matter deserved to be subjected to the judicial process.

ELECTRONIC EVIDENCE

“A determination of the nature of the relationship between the County Assembly and the Speaker remains outstanding.

“In the circumstances, we find that this is an issue worthy of this courts’ consideration,” said Justice Maraga.

The applicants had also challenged the use of electronic evidence in the case that reinstated Ms Adul.

“We find that the applicants have an arguable appeal on the grounds that there in need to understand whether the judge was misdirected on the use of an electronic piece of evidence according to the Evidence Act,” added Justice Maraga.

The ruling means that Ms Adul will have to stay away from office until the appeal is heard and determined.

It comes as a relief to the County Assembly which had been slapped with contempt charges following a ruling in the Labour Relations Court (formerly Industrial Court).

The Labour Relations Court had ruled that the Assembly committed an illegality by hiring a clerk, when there were orders barring them from doing so.