- Some of the MCAs are now pushing for the impeachment of Governor Stephen Sang’s executives.
- Angry MCAs disrupted the proceedings as the speaker Cheruiyot Melly had just called the assembly to order.
Image: BY MATHEWS NDANYI
Nandi MCAs are now split into two rival camps following Tuesday’s fist fight over a report on the status of county development that was tabled at the assembly.
Some of the MCAs are now pushing for the impeachment of Governor Stephen Sang’s executives.
Several MCAs sustained bruises and minor injuries following the fight that erupted inside the assembly as the MCAs differed over the report that recommended formation of an ad hoc committee to probe the graft allegations.
Police had to use teargas to disperse members of the public who threatened to storm the assembly to force the MCAs to adopt the report that was tabled by Kabisagaa MCA Davis Sum.
MCAs Raymond Chelulei (Songhor/Soba), Maina Shangu (Lessos), Martin Douglas (Chemelil/Chemase) among others are for the report and the formation of an ad hoc committee to probe graft claims.
Those opposed include deputy speaker Wilson Sang (Chepkumia), Walter Teno (Kabiyet) and Milka Chumba (UDA nominated). They want the report reverted back to the committee.
The tabling of the report follows a lengthy grilling of county executives and their respective chief officers by assembly committees to ascertain projects done and paid for by the county government in the 30 electoral wards.
Some MCAs opposed the tabling of the report while others backed it sparking the violent conflict in the assembly. The fight attracted residents of Kapsabet who dashed to the assembly but were repulsed by anti-riot police using teargas.
Chaos begun when MCAs realised that Tuesday’s business had nothing to do with formation of an ad hoc probe committee to investigate corruption claims as has been proposed in the report.
Angry MCAs disrupted the proceedings as the speaker Cheruiyot Melly had just called the assembly to order.
The assembly was immediately split into two factions, one in favour of dispensing the report and taking it to the next level and those out to “kill” it at the committee level.
On realising the tension, the speaker after consulting with the clerk Barnaba Kosgei, decided to leave the chambers escorted by sergeant-at-arms and surrounded by security.
He was followed by the MCAs as the exchanged blows and kicks.
One of the faction is in support of the administration of Sang from the adverse report while the other claims to stand for “justice for the people of Nandi”.
“We will eventually have a way forward on this report despite today’s happenings,” Sum said.
Speaker Melly said he would comment on the matter after properly analysing the situation.
The county has been riddled with massive graft allegations.
In the last few days, Sang has sacked 1,800 employees who were found to have been employed irregularly in a payroll scam that has caused the county to lose more than Sh2 billion.
The governor initiated a human resource audit which revealed the massive irregularities in the county payroll.
“We will fully implement the report so that we solve the wage bill crisis we have once and for all,” Sang said.
The illegal hiring is a mater under investigations by the DCI and Sang says those responsible have to be held to account.
The human resource audit report will also be tabled at the assembly for further action.