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Drama as Nairobi MCA protests removal from Water committee

Nairobi County Assembly Ngei MCA Redson Otieno protesting his removal as Chairman of Water committee during plenary session on April 23, 2024. (Photo: Maureen Kinyanjui)

By Maureen Kinyanjui | 23 Apr 2024

Amid the chaos, Speaker Ng'ondi adjourned the session to the following day, acknowledging the need to restore order.

Drama unfolded at the Nairobi County Assembly during proceedings to adopt changes to two sectoral committees, sparking heated exchanges and disruptions.

The commotion began when Majority Leader Peter Imwatok presented a motion to approve the new committee members during Tuesday's plenary session.

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Initially addressing the replacements in the Public Accounts Committee, Imwatok announced the removal of Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai. However, the atmosphere grew charged when he proceeded to name new members of the Water Committee.

At this point, embattled Chairman Redson Otieno, representing Ngei ward, intervened, protesting the proceedings. "Nothing will proceed in this house. Why is it only Redson Otieno that is targeted? I refuse!" Otieno exclaimed.

The ODM legislator insisted that any decision regarding his chairmanship should involve the party leadership. "To remove me as Chairman, the communication must come from the ODM Secretary General," he said.

As tensions escalated, Otieno moved from his seat to the floor of the house, confronting the Speaker. Despite attempts by the Speaker and the sergeant at arms to restore order, Otieno remained defiant, expressing his readiness to face suspension for the remainder of his term.

"I will not allow the announcement of the water committee members. Be fair because we are MCAs and we have been elected by our people," Otieno added.

Nairobi County Assembly Ngei MCA Redson Otieno protesting his removal as Chairman of Water committee during plenary session on April 23, 2024. (Photo: Maureen Kinyanjui)

In response, Speaker Kennedy Ng'ondi ordered the sergeant at arms to remove Otieno from the chamber. However, Otieno resisted by sitting on the floor and was shielded by fellow legislators when attempts were made to physically remove him.

Amid the chaos, Speaker Ng'ondi adjourned the session to the following day, acknowledging the need to restore order.

"Honourable members this house stands adjourned to tomorrow (Wednesday) 2:30 pm)," Ng'ondi said.

Last week, Speaker Ng'ondi dissolved both the PAC and water committees, citing procedural concerns and the need for enhanced assembly efficiency.

"The PAC committee is disbanded for reconstitution, and the Committee of Water and Sanitation is disbanded and to be reconstituted," Ng'ondi declared, referencing relevant standing orders guiding committee composition and tenure.

The speaker stated that a sectoral committee is meant to serve for three sessions since the establishment of a new assembly.

"A member appointed to a sectoral committee at the commencement of a county assembly shall serve for three sessions and the committee shall thereafter be reconstituted to serve for the remainder of the term of that county assembly," reads the standing orders.