Barasa, Sifuna agree to resolve wrangles in county assembly

Kakamega Woman Rep Elsie Muhanda (left), Governor Fernandes Barasa and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna during the homecoming ceremony of Lumakanda MCA Benard Mulama. [ Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Governor Fernandes Barasa has agreed to a meeting with ODM party Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to resolve leadership wrangles at the County Assembly.

Last week, the Orange party made changes in the House leadership where Majority Leader in the Assembly Philip Maina was replaced by Shianda/Marenyo ward representative Geoffrey Ondiro.

Mr Sifuna, in a letter dated March 11 directed House Speaker James Namatsi to effect the changes communicated with immediate effect, a development that sparked tension and chaos, with most MCAs and Governor Barasa opposing the changes.

The clash between opposing camps paralysed the House business, with Barasa and MCAs allied to Maina insisting that they would not recognise the changes communicated by Sifuna.

"Pursuant to the resolution of the members of the majority party/coalition in the County Assembly to remove Hon Philip Maina from the position of Majority Leader, the party has designated Hon Geoffrey Ondiro as his replacement. Kindly accord the honourable member with the necessary facilities to execute his mandate," read Sifuna's letter in part.

Speaking during the homecoming ceremony of Lumakanda MCA Benard Mulama in Lugari Constituency, an event also attended by Sifuna, local MP Nabii Nabwera, Kakamega woman rep Elsie Muhanda and a host of MCAs, Governor Barasa underscored the need for wider consultations among ODM leaders before some decisions are made.