Homa Bay Speaker to remain in office until case is concluded

What you need to know:

  • The judge also ordered the Sergeant at Arms of the Homa Bay County Assembly to ensure the speaker was safe during the assembly proceedings to avoid any assault on her.

The High Court in Kisumu has extended interim orders allowing embattled Homa Bay County Speaker Elizabeth Ayoo to continue presiding over the House’s proceedings.

The Employment and Labour Relations Court Judge Nduma Nderu directed that Ms Ayoo be in office until the matter is heard and determined.

The Speaker had filed an application in court seeking to bar Homa Bay ward representatives from interfering while she is discharging her duties.

“The respondents shall not in any way interfere with the petitioner in the course of discharging her duties nor shall she be barred from accessing her office pending hearing and determination of the case," Justice Nderitu ruled.

He continued: “The respondents shall not use representatives or sympathisers to interfere with the petitioner and neither shall they appoint another person to act in place of the speaker. Any adverse actions contrary to this ruling will be considered unlawful null and void.”

The court had in October 16 issued orders reinstating Ms Ayoo as the House Speaker following her impeachment by the MCAs. She claimed the ward representatives were not obeying the orders.

The judge also ordered the Sergeant at Arms of the Homa Bay County Assembly to ensure the speaker is safe during the assembly proceedings.

The case will be heard on March 5.