Sittings at the Nandi County Assembly have been suspended indefinitely following a fracas that erupted on Thursday. Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) violently disagreed over the adoption of an Ad Hoc committee report that criticised how the Nandi County Government utilised funds for public projects.
A press release signed by the Assembly Speaker, Philemon Melly, attributed the chaos, which resulted in property damage and physical injury to some MCAs and staff, to the events of 13 November 2024.
In response to the situation, MCAs called for investigations into the status of projects across the County for the financial years 2022/2023 and 2023/2024, and resolved to form an ad hoc committee to audit projects by summoning County Executive Committee Members, Chief Officers, and departmental Directors.
“In exercise of powers bestowed on me under Standing Order 111(1) and the prevailing situation, the Nandi County Assembly was in at the time, I had to adjourn the House,” Speaker Melly said in the statement.
He expressed regret over the brawling among MCAs, stating that it contravenes Chapter Six of the Constitution, the County Assemblies Powers and Privileges Act, and the Nandi County Assembly Standing Orders.
“The Nandi County Assembly therefore stands adjourned sine die. The date of resumption will be communicated,” part of the release read.
Melly promised investigations into the mayhem and chaos, intending to take appropriate action against anyone found culpable. He also urged the MCAs to lead by example and exercise restraint while fulfilling their constitutional duties.
Drama unfolded when members supporting the motion disrupted the voting process upon sensing defeat. House Speaker Philemon Melly was escorted away from the chamber as supporters and opponents of the motion became embroiled in a physical altercation and a bitter exchange of words.
In a House of 44 MCAs, supporters of the motion garnered eleven votes, while twenty opposed it, marking one of the most contested voting decisions at the Nandi Assembly.
Had the motion been adopted, nine County Executive Committee Members, nine Chief Officers, and three Directors would have faced termination for alleged financial misappropriation in their departments.
Benjamin Matata, the Kapsabet Town MCA who chaired the Ad Hoc committee investigating the status of Nandi County projects, told the press after the aborted vote that the county had lost an opportunity to rectify the existing issues related to project funding and desired outcomes.
Matata claimed that some MCAs were compromised to defeat the motion, which he argued had provided the best chance for the Assembly to address the evident financial mismanagement in the county.
A section of residents and local leaders have blamed the MCAs who voted against the Ad Hoc Committee report, claiming they have lost the confidence of the electorate.
