Ababu fights off rivals to retain seat
What you need to know:
- Because the committee has 26 members, the no-confidence motion against Mr Namwamba required at least 14 supporters, one more than half (50 per cent plus one).
- PAC vice-chairman Cecily Mbarire (Runyenjes, TNA) and Andrew Mwadime (Mwatate, ODM) reportedly abstained while two other members were away on official duties.
- The standoff left the committee deeply divided as members engaged in name-calling and accusations. The conflict attracted the attention of Parliament’s security personnel.
Budalang’i MP Ababu Namwamba has retained his position as chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) after his opponents could only raise 13 of the 14 votes needed to unseat him.
The stormy four-hour meeting yesterday ended dramatically, with Mr Namwamba getting nine votes in his favour. Two of the 24 MPs did not vote in the secret ballot.
Because the committee has 26 members, the no-confidence motion against Mr Namwamba required at least 14 supporters, one more than half (50 per cent plus one).
PAC vice-chairman Cecily Mbarire (Runyenjes, TNA) and Andrew Mwadime (Mwatate, ODM) reportedly abstained while two other members were away on official duties.
Mr Namwamba can now put behind the troubles he has been facing over the last 10 days as members of the committee sought to remove him over claims of corruption.
“This is pure politics at play… and it is politics on both sides. Politics from within my own home, Cord and ODM, and politics from rivals,” he said.
“But the challenge we have right now is how to rally committee members to ensure the team proceeds to execute its mandate.”
NOT OFF THE HOOK
Ijara MP Ibrahim Abass (ODM), who moved the Motion of no-confidence that was seconded by Mr Kareke Mbiuki (Maara, TNA) said Mr Namwamba was not off the hook. “We’ll start collecting signatures again next week. He’ll face another vote on Thursday,” Mr Abass said.
The standoff left the committee deeply divided as members engaged in name-calling and accusations. The conflict attracted the attention of Parliament’s security personnel.
As the meeting drew to a close, a few minutes to the start of the afternoon sitting, five of the serjeants-at-arms were called into the room as a precautionary measure.
Mr Eddick Anyanga (Nyatike, ODM) said the meeting was dominated by name-calling and all manner of allegations, which ought to be investigated by the anti-graft body.
He said Mr Namwamba had countered the challenge by making allegations against his colleagues. “When there are serious allegations against him and he makes serious allegations against members to divert attention, then there is a problem. Something needs to be done,” said Mr Anyanga.
