EACC summons Nakuru MCAs after fist fights

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is investigating 22 members of the Nakuru County Assembly for engaging in physical fights recently.

Five of the MCAs have been summoned to appear before the EACC Friday, to shed light on their role in the chaos witnessed in the chamber Thursday, March 5.

The anti-corruption body has also launched a probe into 17 MCAs following the brawl in the chamber on Tuesday which led to the abrupt adjournment of the proceedings.

EACC regional officer Japheth Baithalu said the MCAs are being probed for breaching Chapter Six of the Constitution on ethics, leadership and integrity.

“We had initially summoned five MCAs over last week’s chaos but following what transpired on Tuesday, we are looking at another 17 over the fight in the assembly,” said Baithuli.

Chaos rocked the assembly on Tuesday as MCAs exchanged kicks and blows following a stalemate over who is the right holder of the majority leader's seat.

The house is sharply divided between a group loyal to Majority Leader Samuel Waithuki and his predecessor Njenga Mwaura.

Wednesday, the assembly resumed sittings with four MCAs being ordered out of the house for misconduct during a debate on amendments to the Standing Orders.

The MCAs Joseph Muigai, Francis Njogu and John Macharia were sent out by Speaker Susan Kihika after they prevented orderlies from ejecting Ndundori Ward MCA Steve Kihara who had been thrown out for being disorderly.

Singing the national anthem, the group allied to Mwaura walked out of the chamber in solidarity with their colleagues who had been ejected.

During the session, MCAs amended standing orders to impeach deputy speaker by a simple majority from the earlier two third requirement.

The motion for amendment was moved by the MCA for Biashara ward Stephen Kuria, while a motion to impeach Deputy Speaker was moved by Hells Gate Ward Jonathan Warothe.

The new amendment to the Standing orders will also cater for change of committee chairs and speakers panel.

The amendments have paved way for the removal of deputy speaker Samuel Tonui who has fallen out with the Speaker.