Rivals summoned in bid to end wrangles

The county assembly has adjourned sittings to next week to address a conflict between Deputy Speaker Pamela Omino and suspended Majority Leader Samuel Ong’ow.

Some members had threatened to table a censure motion against Mr Ong’ow for defying the party that suspended him.

Mr Ong’ow is also accused of organising the eviction of Mrs Omino who sought to chair House sessions last Tuesday.

Majority Chief Whip Isaiah Onyango, who tabled the adjournment motion on Tuesday evening, said they would use the time to discuss the fate of Mr Ong’ow and his deputy, John Olum, who have been suspended by ODM.

“We must use this chance to discuss and resolve these issues in order to avert the grounding of county work ahead of discussions on the supplementary budget,” he said.

Church leaders, businesspeople, youth groups and politicians have called for the dissolution of the assembly, which has been hit by many wrangles.

Mr Ongo’w had declared that he would not relinquish his position and insisted that Mrs Omino would not preside over House business.

Mrs Omino argued that since her boss, Ann Adul, was barred from conducting House matters by High Court, she should stand in for her.

In a letter seen by the Nation, ODM directed Mr Ong’ow and Mr Olum to travel to Nairobi party headquarters on Friday to meet officials. Sources said they had been telephoned by party leader Raila Odinga.

Each was asked to have two witnesses as they faced the disciplinary committee.

Ms Priscah Misachi (Shauri Moyo), Mr Elijah Omondi (Central Nyakach) and Mr Maina Koko of North Nyakach said they would table the motion seeking to dismiss Mr Ong’ow if he failed to resign.

“Mr Ong’ow should heed the suspension from the party and save us the agony of lobbying for his removal,” Ms Misachi said.

Mr Omondi accused Mr Ong’ow of insubordination.