UDA summons Kericho A*sembly Speaker over House chaos

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party's disciplinary committee has summoned Kericho County Assembly Speaker Patrick Mutai over recent chaos witnessed in the House.

In a letter seen by People Daily Digital, the committee said a complaint had been lodged against the Speaker over his conduct during the session held on Friday, January 13, to discuss, among other issues, recent House leadership changes.

During the session, UDA said, Mutai failed to guide the house on the party's position regarding the changes and as a result, there arose confusion, confrontation, violence and commotion in the Assembly.

"These events are well within your knowledge and as a consequence, the interest, dignity and reputation of the party was compromised and lowered," the letter dated January 13 reads in part.

"Article 75 of the Constitution of Kenya as read together with the code of conduct of the party together with your oath of office, provide clearly for the expected conduct of a party member serving in any position to which the party sponsored and supported him to."

Mutai is expected to appear before the disciplinary committee on Friday, January 20, 2023, at 9:00 am at the Hustler Plaza in Nairobi for the hearing of the matter.

"As a member of the party, you are expected to conduct your affairs in a manner that promotes its image, interests and accords to its values and principles, a duty which you failed to discharge in this instance," the letter adds.

"Accordingly, and pursuant to the provisions of Article 29(iv)(v)(vi) and (vii) of the Constitution of UDA, you are hereby summoned to appear before the Disciplinary Committee on the 20th January 2023 at 9am at the Hustler Plaza,4th Floor, Board Room, for the hearing of the complaint against you."

The accused may represent himself or appear with an advocate during the session.

"Kindly further note that if the complaint against you is established at the hearing, the consequences thereof are as provided in the party constitution under Article 29(viii),(ix),(xi) and (xii)," UDA added.

Chaos erupted in the Assembly following the adoption by the Speaker of a list of House leaders as directed by the High Court on January 12. 

The court had ordered the reinstatement of Londiani ward MCA Vincent Korir who had earlier been replaced by Paul Chirchir as Majority Leader.

Korir had moved to court to challenge the picking of Chirchir to the position despite UDA party Secretary General Veronica Maina terming the changes agreed upon during a recent meeting at a Nakuru hotel as final.

During the meeting, nominated MCA Fancy Korir was also picked as Deputy Majority Leader while Kapsuser Ward MCA Peter Kemoi was named Chief Whip.

Nominated MCA Bavina Serem, a former radio journalist, was picked as deputy Chief Whip.

The MCAs disagreed over the list leading to a chaotic session as members engaged in rowdy behaviour with some breaking tables and chairs while some unsuccessfully attempted to go for the mace in an attempt to nullify the proceedings.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) condemned the chaos, saying investigations into the incident are ongoing.

“No differences of whatever nature or magnitude should make MCAs or any other state officers engage in physical fights or other unethical conduct. County assemblies should desist from using unorthodox means when resolving differences,” EACC said in a statement.

"The actions of the concerned Kericho MCAs fall outside the prescribed ethics and integrity standards for state officers, as laid out under Chapter Six of the Constitution. Article 73(1)(a) of the Constitution requires state officers to conduct themselves in a manner that shows respect for the people, promotes public confidence and brings honour to the Nation and dignity to the office. "

President William Ruto on Sunday also weighed in on the matter, terming the incident as shameful.

Speaking during an interdenominational church service at Bomet Green Stadium in Bomet, President Ruto said the Members of the County Assembly were wasting the Assembly's time with endless selfish leadership wrangles.

The Head of State called for a ceasefire in the Assembly to pave way for smooth service delivery.

"MCAs for Kericho stop the nonsense. You are wasting the Assembly's time fighting for positions instead of doing the job that Kenyans elected you to do. Shame on you," President Ruto said.

Ruto said Kenya can only move forward if the elected leaders led by example and served with diligence.