Nairobi MCAs accuse city MPs of blocking access to President Ruto
The Majority Leader warned that if the alleged disrespect continues, the Assembly would not hesitate to take political action, though he did not specify what form that might take.
Tensions are rising in Nairobi’s political circles as Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) clash with city MPs over what they claim is persistent exclusion from key government events and disregard for their leadership roles.
The MCAs have accused some MPs, particularly from the ODM party, of monopolising presidential functions and undermining elected ward leaders.
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In a charged session at the Nairobi County Assembly on Tuesday, Majority Leader Peter Imwatok led a vocal protest against what he described as arrogance and isolation orchestrated by certain Members of Parliament.
The ward leaders demanded equal recognition, insisting that their roles are vital in representing Nairobi residents at the grassroots level.
“We are not lesser leaders; we must be respected,” said Imwatok. “Some of our colleagues in Parliament behave as if they are the only ones who deserve the President’s attention. We shall expose you to the end.”
He specifically mentioned three MPs whom he accused of frustrating MCAs' efforts to engage positively with President William Ruto.
The Majority Leader warned that if the alleged disrespect continues, the Assembly would not hesitate to take political action, though he did not specify what form that might take.
The MCAs alleged that their exclusion from official functions is being facilitated by a group of protocol officers working with some MPs.
They claimed that during presidential visits and major state activities, they are sidelined and replaced by individuals they termed as “political brokers.”
“We must be treated with dignity, Mr Speaker. We shall not allow these MPs to demean us in the name of the ‘big boys syndrome.’ The dignity of this House and its Honourable Members must be protected,” Imwatok declared, receiving nods of support from several colleagues.
In response to the growing discontent, the MCAs urged Speaker Ken Ng'ondi to help set up a direct meeting between the Assembly and the President.
They argued that such a platform would allow them to raise crucial issues affecting their wards without interference from middlemen.
“We are calling upon you, Speaker, to please move with speed and initiate our meeting with the President. It will be the best opportunity to air out our views and issues affecting our wards. We are not going to deal with brokers anymore,” Imwatok said.
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