Now MCAs demand guns and bodyguards
What you need to know:
- Dr Nuh, who was with forum secretary-general Albert Kochai, Kisumu Assembly Minority Whip Caroline Owen and Homa Bay Rep George Otieno, said death threats against some members in the past week had left them worried.
- The law does not give members of county assemblies the privilege of carrying guns or having bodyguards.
Members of county assemblies want the law changed for them to have armed bodyguards.
The MCAs, through County Assembly Forum chairman Abdi Nuh argued that the nature of their job entitled them to State security.
“It should be mandatory that all elected leaders be given protection due to increased threats against their lives,” Dr Nuh said in Kisumu Wednesday.
READ : MCAs A THREAT TO DEVOLUTION
Dr Nuh, who was with forum secretary-general Albert Kochai, Kisumu Assembly Minority Whip Caroline Owen and Homa Bay Rep George Otieno, said death threats against some members in the past week had left them worried.
“Due to the nature of our work, we are exposed to numerous security-related challenges, at times, from unknown people,” said the Tana River Assembly Speaker.
The law does not give members of county assemblies the privilege of carrying guns or having bodyguards.
This is reserved for MPs, senior Judiciary officials, the Attorney-General and the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Dr Nuh wants county assembly members added to the list.
“We are living in fear. Some of us are even unable to do our work from our ward offices,” the Tana River Assembly Speaker said.
UNKNOWN PEOPLE
“We are State officers due to the nature of our work,” he said.
Mr Kochai said the Inspector General of Police had promised to address the issue of their security but he hadn’t taken any action.
“He promised that every member whose life was threatened would, upon assessment and recording of a statement, get security,” he said.
On Monday, Mr Otieno recorded a statement with the police, saying he was being trailed by unknown people.
