Kwale Speaker denies allegations of shielding 'dismissed' MCAs from accountability

Residents in Kwale County have strongly criticised the county assembly, accusing it of inadequate monitoring and disproportionate alignment with the governor.

The dispute has erupted after a court dismissed five nominated MCAs who, despite their removal, continue to fulfil their duties.

The Kwale County Assembly has been under siege for several months as a result of a number of contentious issues.

These include concerns about inadequate health service delivery, ongoing corruption cases involving several executive members, and a movement to remove the allegedly terminated MCAs.

Ali Mwito, one of the residents, accused the county of misappropriating public monies and failing to provide citizens with decent services.

"We don't have access to clean water, and our public hospitals are in poor condition. Why would a county continue to pay salaries and benefits to people who have been dismissed by the court?" he asked.

Another Juma Mwamtityo advocated for the assembly's disbandment.

"It is the county assembly that is supposed to hold the county government accountable but what happens when they are not doing their job," he said.

The county speaker, Seth Kamanza, justified the assembly's conduct, claiming that a court order currently allows the MCAs to remain in office until the legal matter is addressed.

Kamanza has also denied allegations that he is promoting discord among MCAs, that he is responsible for assembly incompetence, and that he is breaking court orders.

Addressing the media in his office, Kamanza stated that the claims were false and emphasised his commitment to preserving openness, law, and unity in the parliament.

"Any criticisms levelled at me are unjustified. People frequently misunderstand the Speaker's and MCAs' respective roles," he remarked.

Kamanza indicated that the case concerning the five nominated MCAs is still pending before the constitutional court.

He stated that a court order had been issued, allowing them to continue their tasks until the situation was settled.

The Speaker reiterated that he does not have the authority to fire or declare an MCA seat vacant and that the task lies with the IEBC.

He emphasised that he has continuously followed the law and will continue to do so.

He added that once the court rules on the lawsuit regarding the nominated MCAs, he will carry out his duties accordingly.

"We have not violated any laws; we are adhering to them and will continue to do so," he stated.

Responding to charges that the county assembly is dominated by the government, Kamanza stated that the implementation process and oversight authority are two distinct things.

He explained that the assembly's function is to provide oversight, representation, and legislation.

Kamanza stated that the county assembly has worked tirelessly to enhance the lives of Kwale residents.

He stated that during the last two years, the assembly has approved more than six laws aimed at improving service delivery and the lives of local citizens.

The Speaker also announced that other county executive members have been called to face claims of poor service delivery and other problems.

He announced that a full report would be produced soon, describing the causes for poor service delivery in specific county departments, including health.

The speaker stated that there had been challenges with the disbursement of national government funding.

He claimed that salaries had not been paid in nearly four months, causing staff to seek help from banks.

Furthermore, he noted that the government has not released Operations and Maintenance funds for the entire county in over seven months, forcing officials to use their own money to fuel vehicles while on official duty.

"For the past year, we have faced significant challenges with the disbursement of salaries as well as Operations and Maintenance funds," he said.

Kamanza stated that numerous county assembly committees have been working overtime, sometimes on weekends, to improve oversight functions and other services.

He asked citizens to be patient and to check the official Kwale County Assembly website for updates.

Concerning the disagreement inside the legislature, the speaker stated that Kwale leaders have pledged to work together, putting aside their political differences for the welfare of the common people.

He emphasised that their fundamental purpose is to improve service delivery and that any concept of division is false.

Manza Beja, head of the county assembly committee, backed up the speaker, stating that the assembly is unified and committed to improving service delivery.

Beja remarked that the county assembly has worked both autonomously and in close collaboration with the executive.

He stated that they routinely reprimanded the administration and advocated for action on budget plans and development programs, poking holes when appropriate.

Tiwi MCA Juma Ali stated that the suspected corruption cases involving CEOs are being discussed solely on social media and have not been officially communicated.

He voiced concern over why the accused had not been arrested for their alleged offences.