Activists plan ‘rat’ protests against MCAs

NAIROBI, KENYA: Members of the civil society are planning protests at all County Assembly headquarters to condemn misuse of public funds by Members of County Assembly (MCAs).

The National Civil Society Congress (NCSC) meeting under Jukwaa la Katiba accused MCAs of making unnecessary and extravagant travels at the expense of development projects in their respective counties.

“We wish to remind MCAs that counties were not created to help them become rich. They must provide oversight so that citizens get the services they deserve,” said NCSC executive member, Cidi Otieno at a press briefing yesterday.

He said most of the expenses reported lack accountability and are characterised by corruption.

Centre for Multiparty Democracy Treasurer John Wamagata said they will unleash 10,000 rodents in the assemblies during a rat campaign dubbed “M-Rats” to portray the greediness of the MCAs. Wamagata, without revealing the exact day of the protest, assured that it would be in August.

“We have already identified ready markets for the rats and will buy each at Sh100. Already, 500 of them have been received for Nairobi City Hall,” said Wamagata.

Other options being explored include recall of the county representatives by collecting signatures and  presenting a valid case with adequate evidence of misuse of public fund in a court of law.

They also called on the speedy enactment of laws to help curb wastage of public cash by the counties.

Wamagata said the senators had two weeks to show progress, failure to which they would be receiving some unwanted guests at the Senate.