Nairobi MCAs want Leader of Majority probed over assault claims

What you need to know:

  • The call for an independent body was occasioned by the disbandment of the power and privilege committee which can only probe such incidences as member enjoy certain privileges while in the precincts of the Assembly.
  • Nairobi Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chairman George Aladwa said that the party will take disciplinary action against Mr Otieno should he be found guilty after investigations.

The Speaker of the Nairobi County Assembly has been urged to constitute an independent to investigate an alleged assault incident against a female MCA by the Leader of Majority last week.

Mr Elias Otieno is alleged to have beaten Kayole South Member of the County Assembly (MCA) Elizabeth Manyala in his office.

The call for an independent body was occasioned by the disbandment of the power and privilege committee which can only probe such incidences as member enjoy certain privileges while in the precincts of the Assembly.

“In the absence of the power and privilege committee and in line with the fact that the alleged assault occurred within the assembly precincts, I request the Speaker to invoke his discretion and consider constituting an independent body to look into the allegations, “said nominated MCA Racheal Kamweru on Tuesday even after the assembly board dismissed the assault claims.

Ms Kamweru said that the assembly had suffered negative publicity in recent past over the assault incident.

“It is even worse that the crucial committee meant to deal with the foregoing matter is yet to be reconstituted,” said Ms Kamweru.

Nominated MCA Jacquiline Nyangala cautioned members propagating on the social media that MS Manyala was not beaten but has been faking her injuries.

“Members it is unfair to post nasty things on WhatsApp yet one of our members is seriously injured in hospital and the doctors have recommended she be referred outside the country for further treatment,” said Ms Nyangala.

Nairobi Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chairman George Aladwa said that the party will take disciplinary action against Mr Otieno should he be found guilty after investigations.

Mr Aladwa, speaking on phone, said that the party has been receiving contradictory reports and can only wait for the victim to be discharged before deciding on what action to take.

“I am calling upon our party leader Raila Odinga to intervene as our party stands for unity and peace,” said Mr Aladwa.

This is the first time the MCAs brought the alleged fight to the assembly but the acting Speaker Samwel Nyangwara denied its debate.

READ: Rowdy MCAs eject ODM official from party meeting
Ms Manyala is undergoing treatment at the Nairobi Hospital after the alleged assault over Sh800,000 meant for caucus funds.

Mr Otieno is also facing another assault of forcibly ejecting former ODM Executive Director Magerer Lang’at from a meeting in 2014.