by Mutinda Mwanzia

Town Clerk Philip Kisia faces a new battle at City Hall with some councillors plotting to eject him.

On Thursday, the councillors, mainly drawn from PNU, accused Mr Kisia of abuse of office and urged the Minister for Local Government Musalia Mudavadi to show him the door.

They claimed Kisia was violating powers bestowed upon him by the Local Government Act (Cap 265) Laws of Kenya.

Addressing journalists at City Hall, the councillors, led by Mutunga Mutungi and former Deputy Mayor John Njoroge, accused Kisia of failing to call for a special meeting on pending council matters.

They claimed the clerk had also failed to ensure the council secures an insurance cover to protect its property after a previous one expired.

"We note with deep concern since May, this year, council assets have been under unnecessary exposure after an insurance cover lapsed. We wonder what would be the fate of the property in case of a tragedy," said Mr Mutungi.

The councillors questioned Kisia’s rejection of a Deputy Clerk seconded to the council by the Public Service Commission.

Frustrated officer

"Kisia allegedly frustrated the officer and has refused to have him take up his appointment," said Mr Njoroge.

The officer, Mr Joseph Malinda, was posted by the PSC last month to City Hall from Narok County Council.

"The clerk does not have powers to veto a decision by PSC and we therefore demand the officer be allowed to serve in the position he was seconded to," said Mutungi.

Plotting to oust

Contacted, Kisia said the councillors plotting to oust him were opposed to his plans to initiate reforms at City Hall.

"I have initiated many reforms that have broken cartels, which have been pilfering funds from the council," he said.

He added his loyalty was to ratepayers and was committed to improving service delivery in the city.

He said City Hall was choking in debts amounting to more than Sh31 billion, adding some were suspect and needed scrutiny before paying them.

He urged all councillors to support the reforms to return the city to its glorious past.