MCAs boycott CS Murkomen event in Trans Nzoia

The commissioning of the newly completed Trans-Nzoia County Assembly's Wellness and Committee Services Centre by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has sparked protests from the county government leadership.

Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) allied with Governor George Natembeya,  led by Deputy Speaker Obed Mwale, boycotted the ceremony held on Thursday.

Natembeya criticised County Speaker Andrew Wanyonyi for inviting Murkomen to officiate the opening of a project built by the county government.

He hinted that his administration would commission the project in September this year.

"The Speaker of the County Assembly knows very well that the County Government of Trans-Nzoia funded the new County Assembly Centre," the governor tweeted.

The government explained that the assembly centre is a county project that has taken two years to complete.

"The assembly centre is our project. It has taken a span of two years," stated the governor.

"But we know he’s ambitious and political ambition can sometimes overshadow the truth. Driven by political ambition, he has invited CS Kipchumba Murkomen to commission the project officially. No problem!"

The Twitter further stated, "Our project will be officially commissioned in a grand ceremony this September. We look forward to celebrating this milestone together with the people of Trans-Nzoia."

The CS, accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli and Principal Administrative Secretary Bervely Opwora, commended the assembly leadership for constructing the facility to enhance legislative work.

"This is a critical project to allow MCAs to playxecute their legislative roles and serve the p," said the CS.

The clerk of the county assembly, Moses Lupao, and former TransNzoia Women Rep Mrs Janet Nangabo were present.

Murkomen later delivered a key address on the county assembly floor, a session that Speaker Andrew Wanyonyi described as an effort to boost development in the county.

At least 14 seats in the house were unoccupied after Mwale and 13 other MCAs skipped the address.

Trans Nzoia Majority leader Edwin Koech, who had invited the CS to deliver the keynote address, was missing, and no reason was given.

Though the MCAs did not explain the boycott, some present claimed the invitation lacked consultation.

"The speaker handled the whole issue, and a few MCAs allied with the broad-based government. The invitation is an insult to the governor," said one of the MCAs who requested anonymity.

President William Ruto is expected to inspect national government development projects in the area.