Aasai

A fresh wave of tension gripped the Machakos County Assembly this week, underscoring deep-rooted political divisions that have seen sittings paralysed for three consecutive months. The renewed commotion broke out following official communication from the Wiper Democratic Movement-Kenya, indicating changes in the Assembly’s minority and majority leadership structures.

The session began on a tense note as Speaker Anne Kiusya addressed the floor, announcing the receipt of a letter from Wiper Party Secretary, Senator Shakila Abdalla. The correspondence outlined a reshuffling of party leadership within the Assembly. Mathatani MCA Francis Kavyu, who previously served as the Deputy Minority Leader, was named as the new Minority Leader, replacing MCA Judas Mbili Ndawa.

“Francis Kavyu, MCA Kinanie Ward, ceases to be the deputy minority party leader and is replaced immediately with Francis Ngunga,” announced Speaker Kiusya, drawing murmurs from the chambers. The situation escalated further as she went on to cite further changes from the Wiper Party leadership.

This announcement sparked immediate protest from members of the majority side, some of whom vocally opposed the changes. As the verbal exchanges grew heated, the sitting quickly descended into chaos. Disruptions intensified, forcing the Speaker to vacate the chambers for her safety. The morning session was adjourned as security personnel struggled to restore order.

Kibauni Ward MCA Paul Wambua expressed concern over the disruptions, noting that prolonged paralysis in the Assembly could derail critical legislative work. “Because now the Speaker has powers to suspend the Assembly under Standing Order Number 108, this could potentially affect the budget-making process, supplementary allocations, and other vital county business,” he said.

This latest confrontation is a continuation of a broader political power struggle that has engulfed the Assembly since early this year. In April, similar scenes played out in the House, leaving three MCAs injured and Speaker Kiusya holed up in her office under police protection for hours.

The core of the standoff appears to stem from divisions among MCAs—those supporting the Speaker and those allied with factions reportedly keen on her ouster. Speaker Kiusya’s critics have accused her of mismanaging Assembly affairs, including altering the order paper without consultation, failing to implement legacy projects from her predecessor, and withholding office funds meant for MCAs.

On the other hand, her allies insist the Speaker is being unfairly targeted by political operatives within the county’s executive wing. They claim there are concerted efforts to frustrate her leadership, with fingers being pointed directly at Governor Wavinya Ndeti. Supporters of Kiusya have called for calm and unity, expressing confidence in her ability to lead despite the challenges.

As the Assembly faces an uncertain legislative calendar, county residents are beginning to voice concern over the prolonged stalemate, which threatens to stall development agendas and budgetary implementation. With the budget cycle looming, the pressure is on for MCAs to resolve their differences and return to the business of governance.

The coming days are likely to be critical for Machakos County as political negotiations, party interests, and leadership ambitions collide. What remains to be seen is whether the Assembly can rise above the infighting and refocus on delivering services to the people it represents.