Shock as MCA withdraws integrity motion

Members of the Mombasa County Assembly (MCA) have raised concern after the mover of a motion seeking to establish a register for integrity among public officers postponed it.

The MCAs yesterday said they were ready for debate and wondered why nominated member and chairman of the Finance committee Mohamed Hatimy changed his mind.

On Tuesday, Hatimy presented a notice seeking to introduce a motion to compel the Clerk of the Assembly to maintain a register of conflict of interests that would be open to the public for inspection.

Hatimy said the motion was in line with Section 16 (10) of the Leadership and Integrity Act of 2012.

The Act provides that "for purposes of subsection (9), the clerk of the Senate, the National Assembly or a county assembly shall maintain a register of conflicts of interest, which shall be open to the public for inspection."

But yesterday, he sought to defer debate, prompting Tudor Ward Representative Patrick Simiyu to question the move when members were ready to discuss it.

"Mr speaker, there is not sufficient reason why the mover is unwilling to proceed with this important motion," Simiyu protested.

Hatimy, however, insisted the law and standing orders of the house allowed the mover of a motion to defer debate and bring it back later.

Speaker Thadius Rajwayi said the motion was important for the county and should not have been withdrawn.