Siaya MCAs pocket Sh126,000 but skip Mombasa summit

Some MCAs from Siaya County are on the spot for pocketing Sh2.8 million as allowances and failing to attend the Second Annual Legislative Summit held in Mombasa last week.

The Nation has established that 23 out of 48 MCAs did not travel to Mombasa for the one-week summit despite each receiving Sh126,000 as per diem and allowance.

The group, according to an official of the assembly, instead chose to remain in Siaya.

“It is sad that the MCAs are focused on their re-election and would rather have more time campaigning rather than attend the important summit.

“They should have not received the per diem and allowances in the first place if they knew they would not travel,” said the official, who requested not to be named.

Siaya County Assembly Clerk Felix Olwero confirmed that each MCA was entitled to Sh14,000 daily in per diem and allowances for the nine days of the summit.

Mr Olwero said only 11 MCAs who sit in the Budget and Appropriation Committee were expected back in the county before the end of the summit to attend to county business.

NOT AWARE

However, Mr Olwero said he was not aware that some MCAs did not attend the summit.

“Thousands of people attended the summit. It is difficult to tell who was present or absent at the event. I will have to check the details on Monday,” said Mr Olwero.

During the period of the summit in Mombasa, MCAs Christopher Apiyo Apiyo (South Uyoma), Elisha Okuku (Yimbo East) and Omollo Owii (North Uyoma) were spotted at various locations in Bondo Town.

MCAs Lorna Adida (North Sakwa) and Teresa Osore publicly took part in campaigns for candidates seeking parliamentary and governorship seats in the county.

Ms Adida denied receiving any money, saying she knew she would not be traveling to Mombasa.

In early March, only 24 Siaya MCAs attended the fourth Devolution Conference in Naivasha though each had pocketed Sh98,000 in per diem and allowances for the three-day event.