Economy

60pc of Nairobi MCAs shown the door in party polls

mca

A past commotion on the Nairobi County Assembly floor. PHOTO | DENNIS ONSONGO | NMG

About 60 per cent or 50 Nairobi MCAs were shown the door in political party elections which were concluded on Sunday.

Voters showed no mercy to the first county assembly of the capital city which was characterised by chaos and violence during its tenure.

The county assembly hit headlines for the wrong reasons with fights breaking out whenever a debate failed to favour one party. For instance, when a motion to oust Governor Evans Kidero was brought to the assembly members fought with the mover being roughed up.

In 2014, proceedings at the assembly were interrupted as members fought during a debate to approve names of adhoc committee members.

They later fought again over office space, forcing Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaiserry to intervene.

During the opening of the new chambers last August, Opposition and ruling party Jubilee MCAs failed to agree on the guest of honour. The chambers, though in use, are yet to be openned officially.

“Its really bad, Kenyans are serious,” said Karen MCA David Mberia of the rout. Three MCAs went for higher office; Alex Ouda Otieno ran for the Langata MP’s seat, Beatrice Kwamboka vied for the Nairobi Women Representative ticket, and Kennedy Okeyo Ngondi for Embakasi South MP’s seat. They all lost.

Only 21 MCAs won tickets for the August elections. They included Peter Muriithi Warutere, Millicent Wambui Mugadi, James Mwaura Chege, Robert Mbatiat, Moses Ogeto Nyangaresi, Elias Otieno Okumu and David Mberia.