Simmering political tensions between the executive and a faction of the legislature have exploded into an open clash, with Machakos County Governor Wavinya Ndeti accusing her predecessor, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, of meddling in the county’s affairs.

At the heart of the storm is a move by some Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to impeach County Assembly Speaker Ann Kiusya, which has since been halted by the High Court.

A group of 33 MCAs, led by Majority Leader Nicholas Nzioka, have signed a motion to remove Kiusya from office. The campaign is spearheaded by members from various political parties, including Wiper and Maendeleo Chap Chap. 

Among the reasons given for the Speaker’s removal are allegations of gross incompetence, including the return of Sh250 million to the Treasury due to the failure to absorb the allocation. The MCAs also accuse the Speaker of excessive overseas travel and the failure to fully constitute the County Assembly Public Service Board.

On the other side, Maendeleo Chap Chap MCAs, led by Kinanie MCA Francis Kavyu, along with other colleagues from different political backgrounds, are opposing the motion. They argue that it is an attempt by the county executive to control the Assembly through unconstitutional means. 

This faction has also threatened to sponsor an impeachment motion against Governor Wavinya, a development the county boss has strongly opposed.

During a worship service at the African Church in Mitaboni, Kathiani Constituency, an angry Wavinya lashed out at her predecessor, Dr Mutua, accusing him of meddling in Machakos’ affairs.

“Mutua, you were the former governor, not the current governor of Machakos. Leave Machakos alone and let me run my county. When you were the governor, I never interfered with you. Don’t start a war you cannot handle,” Wavinya declared. 

In an apparent response to Wavinya, Dr Mutua played down the accusations and stated that he would not support the impeachment of any leader in Ukambani.

“I do not support any plans to impeach any leader in Ukambani. I don’t want to hear about the removal of any Speaker or Governor from Machakos, Kitui, or Makueni, as we are already halfway through the five-year term, and we should be focusing on serving the citizens,” Dr Mutua said. By Erastus Mulwa, The Standard