By Samson Wire
Nairobi County, Kenya: Governor Mike Sonko is accusing a section of Jubilee Party assembly leadership over the current woes facing Nairobi’s County Assembly and executive.
He alleged that Jubilee Party Headquarters served independent-minded Members of County Assembly (MCAs) with letters in a bid to intimidate them.
In a letter dated on Nov 26th addressed to Jubilee party Secretary, Hon Raphael Tuju, Nairobi County Assembly majority whip Paul Kiguathi Kados asked the Disciplinary committee to summon and issue certain orders to Silvia Kihoro Museiya, Hon Anne Muthoni Thumbi, and Hon Millicent Anyango Jagero, all MCAs in Nairobi County.
Sonko claimed that the Solo intents of the letter were allegedly written to silence and intimidate the MCAs. He further noted that they have not agreed to jubilee assembly leadership bullying tactics.
“As things stand, there exists no Party possible or near position on the contentious financial bill 2020.”
He laid bare the contents as put in the constitution of Kenya, The County governments Act, Public Finance Act and said it’s clear on a budget making with clear provisions for the Governor to accept, reject the budget.
He said in accordance with Section 24 of the County Government Act, he returned the fundamentally flawed budget back to the assembly, and that’s why the assembly needed to amend the budget within the law and in the interests of the people of Nairobi.
Over 50 MCA had protested concerning the manner in which the debate was conducted. They claimed that voting was done but those who had independent stands and used the zoom platform were muted.
The troubled MCAs are now claiming their fundamental debate and voting rights have been infringed. They went ahead to swear affidavits to sue against infringement on their democratic rights as elected leaders.
Governor Sonko went ahead quoted Article 175 (a) which states that the Constitution governing county Government will be based on democratic principles and separation of power.
He summarised by vowing the governor for the county of Nairobi, retains the sole legal responsibility of upholding the constitution and nobody should use illegal means outside these provisions.
On Thursday MCAs led by Embakasi MCA, Michael Ogada moved a successful notice of motion intending to impeach Governor Sonko. The Governor has a period of seven days to respond to the allegations.
Governor supporters have called it a witch-hunt for his refusal to approve the budget.
Others have termed the move as a product of a few city hall cartels. Sonko has vowed not to be intimidated. Through his Twitter he had said he will not be intimidated he won’t be vowed, he is ready to go.
“My descendants were not politicians.” He said.
