Nairobi MCAs vow to resist intimidation after 'attack' on Kitisuru legislator Alvin Palapala

A section of Nairobi Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) has strongly condemned the assault on Kitisuru MCA Alvin Palapala and accused Governor Johnson Sakaja's administration of orchestrating the attack.

Led by Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai, the legislators accused the governor of using intimidation tactics to silence dissenting voices.

Alai vowed that MCAs would not be deterred from fulfilling their oversight role.

"MCAs were elected like everyone else. Whatever the governor is thinking, he will not succeed in scaring anyone. If the police cannot arrest the boys who attacked our colleague, we will go for them ourselves. The police are not above the law, and they should quickly act," he said.

Recounting his ordeal, Palapala alleged that the attack was orchestrated by Governor Sakaja due to his opposition to some unethical practices in his administration.

He claimed developers in Nairobi are being asked to give bribes to get building approvals.

"Developers are suffering because they are asked for money to get their approvals done. I will remain firm and advocate for developers who follow due processes. We must end this exploitation," Palapala told journalists.

The ODM MCA was attacked along Kenyatta Avenue by a group of about seven men. He sustained head, hand, and mouth injuries and was treated at the Aga Khan Hospital and discharged.

A medical report signed by Dr Andrew Githuka stated that the injuries were caused by a blunt object.

Robbery with violence

The MCA reported the incident at Central Police Station, with the case classified as robbery with violence.

When contacted, Governor Sakaja did not respond to requests for comment by the time of publication.

Kariobangi MCA Joel Munuve, who has previously been a victim of violence, linked the attack on Palapala to growing hostility against MCAs who challenge the executive.

"When I raised concerns about the handover of Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital without consulting Kariobangi North residents, goons were sent to attack me. Now, we have seen the same happen to our colleague for speaking up. This is wrong and must stop," he said.

Munuve criticised leaders who resist accountability, urging such officials to resign if they cannot handle scrutiny.

"Our work is to provide oversight. When we do it correctly, the governor thinks we hate him, but we are just fulfilling our mandate. Leaders at all levels must accept to be held accountable. If you cannot, then resign," Munuve said.

Kangemi MCA Hamisi Maleya said the county legislators would not back down from their oversight duties despite threats.

"As MCAs, we shall not tolerate leaders who abduct or send goons to attack honourable members. Investigations should be done, and those responsible must face the law," he said.

The MCAs have called for swift investigations and the arrest of those involved.

This incident follows a recent spate of attacks on MCAs in the country, including the fatal stabbing of a Kakamega MCA during an altercation with a member of the public.