ODM reps quit committee over removal of chair
Oversight of billions of shillings being spent by the Nairobi Metropolitan Services and the county government could stall for sometime after ODM withdrew its members from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
The party was protesting plans by Jubilee Party MCAs to remove the current chairman and Mabatini Ward MCA Wilfred Odalo from the position.
However, Waithaka MCA Anthony Kiragu, dismissed the move as inconsequential.
“We are not going to be led by a person, who is accused of corruption and gross misconduct,” said Kiragu.
According to Kiragu, out of 24 members of the committee, 16 resolved to remove him.
But Minority Whip Peter Imwatok accused Speaker Benson Mutura of colluding with some MCAs to remove Odalo.
Leadership changes
“It has come to my attention and that of the Minority House Leadership, that yourself and other Members of PAC have been intimidating and coercing other members into signing the purported removal of the current chairperson Wilfred Odalo, to which it is the preserve of the Minority party leadership to nominate the member qualified to be a chairperson of the Select Committee,” said Imwatok.
Others who have been discharged from the committee are Moses Ogeto, Clarence Munga, Mourice Ochieng, Ann Caterine, Rose Ogonda, Lawrence Otieno, Imwatok, Jared Okode, Jane Muasya, Osman Khalif and Rosemary Masitsa.
Imwatok blamed Jubilee Party for weakening the watchdog committee by trying to bring in leadership changes which he termed as unnecessary.
“As per the law, if any ODM member wants the PAC chairperson removed, then he/she must consult with the party leaders in the Assembly. The Opposition party plays the watchdog role,” he said.
Sources say some MCAs are also planning to remove Imwatok. The Makongeni ward rep has been accused of advancing his personal interests.
