Win for nominated MCAs in equality case

A High Court has declared nominated MCAs have equal status and are entitled to equal opportunities, responsibilities and privileges just like their elected counterparts.

Justice Joel Ngugi yesterday noted it was irrational to have mileage allowance for nominated ward reps capped over claims they do not need to travel to wards to consult electorates the way elected members do.

Justice Ngugi made the ruling in a case filed by 12 de-whipped Nakuru nominated MCAs who moved to court, through the National Gender and Equality Commission.

The MCAs challenged the decision by Majority Leader, the Assembly Clerk, Speaker, Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and Jubilee Party for violating their rights.

The 12 were serving as chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of different committees of the House before they were de-whipped after the county Assembly moved a notice of motion adopting a report of the Committee on Selection and Harmonisation of membership of Sectoral and Select Committees of the assembly on October 17, 2018.

“Nominated MCAs represent special interest especially the vulnerable, minority and historically marginalised groups such as women, youth, persons with disability and racial minorities. These population tend to be dispersed throughout the various counties, it follows, therefore, that a nominated MCA must be able to travel,” read the court judgement delivered yesterday.