Drama and laughter as parties in Makueni petition argue their case

The commission of inquiry into a petition to dissolve Makueni County government has taken a break until June 23, after hearing accusations and counter-accusations laced with drama and laughter in the   proceedings.

Despite the tense atmosphere, the commission has been treated to theatrics and hilarious moments from witnesses, lawyers and even commissioners, offering the much-needed comic relief.

When County Assembly Speaker Stephen Ngelu took to the witness stand amid a deafening silence, his responses sent the crowd into gales of laughter. At one time he recalled how in June 2014, he and Governor Kivutha Kibwana retreated to Mombasa and partied together as good old friends.

“We went to swim and in the evening had drinks. We later joined traditional dancers and he actually beat me in the dance. We are good friends,” Mr Ngelu said. On another occasion, the Speaker reminded Mr Wilfred Nyamu, the lawyer for the Executive, that his time for questioning him was fast running out.

“Mr Speaker, you are going too fast, I need you to slow down,” Nyamu had told Ngelu to which he replied, “But you have very limited time and I want to answer as many questions from you as possible.”

The lawyer for the petitioners, Mbovu Kyalo, tried in vain to box Ngelu in a corner. Every time however, the Speaker always quoted the Constitution and evaded the snare. Finding his line of questioning growing increasingly barren, Mr Kyalo resorted to heaping praises to Ngelu for his grasp of the Constitution. Mr Mohamed Nyaoga, the commission’s chairman, warned the Speaker to tread carefully.

“Be careful with the accolades he is showering you. He might be preparing you for the slaughter,” Nyaoga warned rather jokingly. “I am very careful your honour, chairman,” Ngelu replied, then the lawyer interjected in similar fashion, “Mr Chairman, why are you intimidating the witness.”

Governor Kibwana took the stand and explained how it had become increasingly difficult to work with members of the assembly. “Those people lied to the clergy they will not impeach me but did so one day later. I find it difficult to believe such people...I’m praying to God to show me how to deal with people like these,” Kibwana lamented, to which Mr Nyaoga remarked: “We will pray with you governor.”

Prof Kibwana also found himself being grilled by his former student, Charles Njenga, acting for the County Assembly.

“Thank you governor for being candid in your answers,” the lawyer said, then turned to the commissioners. “You know he was my professor at the university and I scored an A in his subject.” Amid laughter, Mr Nyaoga quipped: “That paper should be remarked.”