Governor Joho, MCAs political fight goes to the Senate

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho with members of the Senate Devolution Committee yesterday.[ Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Political intrigues in the county have taken a fresh twist after Governor Hassan Joho denied he was behind a plot to dissolve the County Assembly.

This is following summonses issued to three County Executive Committee Members by MCAs.

Mr Joho who appeared before the Senate Devolution committee denied he had sponsored a lobby group to collect signatures to send home errant MCAs.

“We are not in a position to respond to political hearsay. As a senate, you have the mandate to defend devolution. Unfortunately, I do not know where you have picked that information from," Joho said.

Last week, Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki rose on the floor of the House, and claimed he had information that there were plans to send the MCAs home.

According to Mr Faki, the plot was hatched to protest summonses issued to three executives, among them Tawfiq Balala, a key ally of Joho.

A motion to impeach Mr Balala is due for debate at the Assembly today. Joho has defended Balala saying he is being targeted for refusing to give the MCAs a parking fee waiver.

Committee chairman, John Kinyua asked the county assembly to suspend the impeachment motion against Balala to allow the committee resolve the conflict. “Let the Assembly hold its horses so that we can resolve this matter amicably,” said Kinyua.