Senators Poghisio and Olekina back Orengo to demand that Kindiki's ruling that Sonk's move be probed be suspended as Murkomen seek adjournment
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Allies of President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga are fighting off a scheme by DP William Ruto’s associates to stop the transfer of Nairobi county functions to the national government.
Senate Minority leader James Orengo, Raila’s close associate, on Wednesday prevailed on Speaker Kenneth Lusaka to overrule directives issued by Deputy Speaker Kithure Kindiki to investigate the takeover.
Governor Mike Sonko on Tuesday signed a deal with State House for the county to hand over health, transport, planning and development and public works functions.
Kindiki, an ally of Ruto, on Tuesday directed Devolution and Intergovernmental and Justice and Legal Affairs committees to probe the developments.
The two committees and chaired by Ruto allies.
The directive followed a heated debate on Sonko's move.
Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen, a Ruto confidant, sought an adjournment of house business to discuss the deal that he termed a matter of great public interest.
In what exposed the widening rift in the ruling Jubilee party, Murkomen, who is ordinarily expected to execute and advance the government’s agenda on the floor, tore into the deal terming it illegal.
In a strongly-worded statement, the Elgeyo Marakwet Senator, who is also representing Sonko in the Sh357 million graft case, said the deal will leave Nairobi a shell and render the governor a figurehead.
Sonko, in a statement on Thursday, purported to have initiated the transfer process after making several trips abroad on how cities are run.
“I initiated discussions with the national government with a view of finding a sustainable approach to service delivery that leverages both on the county and national resources and competencies,” Sonko said.
Sonko is a close associate of the DP and thus Murkomen’s statement rejecting the Uhuru-Sonko deal is seen as an attempt to save the embattled governor.
But Orengo, in what was clearly an attempt to scuttle Ruto’s men from interfering with the takeover, said Kindiki’s directives were unprocedural and against the standing orders.
“Mr. Speaker I wish to urge you to review this decision. The decision he made was not procedural,” said the Siaya senator.
Orengo said motions of adjournment to discuss a matter of national interest “never have a resolution except for a resolution of adjournment.”
“Under the principle of committees, when an institution is seized of a matter, and another institution divulge into it, it can create anarchy,' Orengo said.
He added, For example, the gazette notice of transfer of functions from Nairobi City County to national government requires the county assembly to start public participation on Monday and the Attorney General and CS Devolution will be called by MCAs at the same time and on the same matter that the senate will be calling the same people.”
Orengo got the backing of senators Samuel Pogishio (West Pokot) and Ledama Olekina (Narok). The two are close allies of Uhuru and Raila respectively.
“I have been very surprised that a matter on a motion of adjournment will also be referred to a committee. It is crucial that we stick to procedures. I would only beg that you look at it a fresh and make a ruling,” Pogishio urged the speaker.
Ledama said, “This matter should not have proceeded to the committees of this House. I besiege you to reconsider that decision.”
Lusaka directed the two committees not to commence the inquiry. He promised to issue a ruling on the matter on Tuesday next week after consulting his deputy.
“The matter remains suspended until I give a ruling at 2.30pm on Tuesday,” Lusaka said.
Sources told the Star President Kenyatta was upset with Murkomen’s statement and personally called him and speaker for several minutes demanding an explanation.
Uhuru is said to have demanded to know why Murkomen has been attacking and criticising him.
“He (President) called him for more than 20 minutes and he was very upset. I think this matter (probe) will not take place,” the source said.
edited by p .obuya