Retreat of ‘select’ reps tears assembly apart

A new rift has emerged at the Trans Nzoia County Assembly after 24 members allied to Speaker David Sifuna went to Tanzania for a retreat, leaving behind 14 others.
The 24 are part of a camp that came into the limelight recently after Mr Sifuna’s impeachment was overturned by the High Court in Kitale.

The 14 left behind are now accusing their colleagues of being compromised through the retreat not to discharge their constitutional oversight role.

The MCAs used the homecoming ceremony for Sikhendu Ward Representative Andrew Kutitila to voice their anger and disappointment.

Bidii Ward Representative Mathews Nyarango said their colleagues were giving residents a raw deal by wasting public funds on political strategy meetings.

NOT BE COWED

Ms Betty Chemutai (Matisi Ward) said their group would not be cowed to keep their mouths shut while the region lagged behind in development.

The MCAs also turned the heat on Governor Patrick Khaemba and challenged him to crack the whip on corrupt officials in his government.

“We are telling the governor not to transfer corrupt officials from one docket to another. That’s not a solution but rather a transfer of the problem,” said Mr Simon Toroitich (Hospital Ward).

Waitaluk MCA Simon Makhanu said the region would not develop if some leaders were bent on compromising the county assembly.

“Those of us who are not contended with the pace of development in this county will not keep quiet,” said Mr Makhanu.

Area Woman Representative Janet Nangabo and Saboti MP David Wafula commended the 14 MCAs for remaining firm, saying a lot needed to be done to take the county forward.

“It is good that you have now seen the light because we as MPs were also concerned over your silence yet you have an oversight role to play,” said Mr Wafula.