Wamuzi News Ke
In a dramatic assertion of legislative discipline, the Nyamira County Assembly officially declared ten Members of County Assembly (MCAs) unqualified to hold office after they failed to attend eight straight sitting sessions. The move—a rare enforcement under the 2017 Powers and Privileges Act—marks a significant turning point in the county’s ongoing political struggle.
Unprecedented En Masse Removal
During a specially convened assembly session, Speaker Thaddeus Nyabaro invoked the Act, confirming that the ten MCAs had breached attendance rules by repeatedly absconding from official sessions held in the county assembly chambers.
The ousted members include two elected representatives—Nyambega Gisesa (Rigoma) and Joel Ombongi (Bokeira)—and eight nominated MCAs: Martha Marua (ANC), Janerose Nafula Nyakundi (ODM), Jeriah Nyakangi (UPA), Zipporah Matundura (Wiper), Elijah Abere (UPA), Edina Obara (UPA), Beatrice Onyancha (UPA), and one additional unspecified member.
Parallel Sessions and Legal Disputes
This mass expulsion stems from the parallel “Bunge Mashinani” sessions—an alternative assembly convened by former Speaker Enock Okero and his faction, which the High Court in Bomet ruled illegal just three weeks ago. Okero’s supporters, including the ousted MCAs, continued to meet at offsite locations despite the court’s warning, resulting in today’s sweeping disciplinary action.
Political Fallout and Legal Counterplay
The purge is being viewed by many as a calculated effort to sideline political adversaries aligned with Okero and Governor Amos Nyaribo. During the proceedings, Ombongi dismissed the vote as “ridiculous,” asserting that it was strategically designed to pave way for an impeachment motion against Governor Nyaribo.
Next Steps: Vacated Seats and Upcoming Appeal
Following the Speaker’s ruling, the vacated positions are set to be communicated to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), triggering by-elections for the elected seats. Those nominated may face reallocation or reappointment by their respective parties.
Meanwhile, the dismissed MCAs have confirmed plans to challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal in Nakuru. Their appeal, centered on the legality of expulsion under the Powers and Privileges Act, is scheduled for a hearing on July 23, 2025.
Assembly Dysfunction Threatens Governance
This episode intensifies a prolonged crisis in Nyamira County governance. Amid tensions, the county has been operating with two competing assemblies, two clerks, and conflicting mandates—resulting in delayed budgets, stalled development projects, and suspended salaries . The current shake-up is expected to further disrupt legislative operations.
What to Watch
- The Court of Appeal’s verdict on July 23, which may determine the legality of internal disciplinary enforcement.
- IEBC’s process of filling the three vacated seats and its implications for county representation.
- Power realignment within the Nyamira assembly following a potential shift in allegiance among remaining MCAs.
This high-stakes showdown in Nyamira exemplifies the fragile intersection of constitutional oversight and political rivalry at Kenya’s devolved levels. As more developments unfold, stay with us for exclusive updates and legal analysis impacting county governance.
