MCAs have threatened to frustrate a Sh4 billion urbanisation project over the sacking of City Manager Doris Ombara.
The city directorate, headed by the city manager, was the implementing partner of the Kisumu Urban Project (KUP), which aimed to improve the city's infrastructure.
MCAs, most of whom represent wards within the city, accused Governor Jack Ranguma of sacrificing Ms Ombara. The representatives say Ombara protected donor funds from politicians who have interests in the multi-billion-shilling tenders involved in the project that is funded by the French government.
Nyalenda B MCA James Were and his counterparts Jactone Onunga (Nyalenda A) and Kelvin Oraro (Kolwa Central) said they will seek a report from the governor over Ombara's sacking. "As MCAs within the city we understand what KUP means to us. We are aware of cartels and they have interests in the billions in the project and we will not accept anything of that sort," said Mr Were.
Kachok dumpsite
"The city manager's position is very crucial to us (MCAs from the city) and we have to know what is going on," said Mr Onunga.
Ombara's sacking comes at a time when the tendering process for Sh770 million construction of Kibuye and Jubilee markets, as well as the Sh800 million relocation of Kachok dump site, are underway. The county assembly said Ombara's removal was part of a scheme by the executive to target the two major projects.
Before her removal from office, Ombara was working on a proposal to have the project, which was scheduled for completion in June, extended by two years to allow for the completion of close to 60 per cent of the project which is yet to commence.
Her removal may also slow the project due to renewal of contracts for the project consultants whose contracts expired at the end of last year. They will need new contracts if they are to continue working on the project.
In a bid to cool the tension between him and the assembly, Mr Ranguma appointed Ombara to head the UN Habitat-sponsored Lake Front Development Programme aimed at opening up the city's lake shores, a position the former city manager has reportedly opposed.
The KUP dream may remain a distant mirage if MCAs make good their threat, as the French government has been keen to avoid any political interference in the project.
Ranguma's deputy, Ruth Odinga, distanced herself from Ombara's removal, saying she was neither consulted nor informed by the Governor. Ms Odinga accused Ranguma of running a one-man show in the management of county affairs.
"I am the head of the Service Delivery Unit and in charge of revenue enhancement. Kisumu city gives over 90 per cent of the revenue to the county and I would expect to be aware of all the happenings within the city as such moves may have an impact on revenue and service delivery," said Odinga.
On Thursday, female MCAs and those representing wards within the city threatened to storm the governor's office. Deputy City Manager Muthoni Orlale will take over Ombara's position in an acting capacity.
Kaloleni Shaurimoyo MCA Prisca Misachi accused Ranguma of being against women leadership, and Ombara's stand against looting of the donor funds meant for projects within the city.
"The frustration against the city manager by the executive is not new to us. The city has been starved of funds previously and all were meant to portray the city manager as not performing. We have to be told why it has come at this time," said Ms Misachi.
"We are unhappy as women leaders from Kisumu and we will do everything to see Ms Ombara back to her office," said South East Nyakach MCA Petronila Omondi. Nominated MCA Carolyne Ogot said: "We are ready to strip in the governor's office, but we have to be told what is going on."
