Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and staff arriving at the Nyamira County Assembly on the morning of December 3, 2024, were met with locked gates and a firm directive barring access.
This development follows an announcement by Speaker Okero last week, suspending assembly operations for 90 days to facilitate investigations.
The sudden closure has sparked unrest among MCAs and staff, who expressed frustration over the lack of clear communication about the decision. Some MCAs lamented that they were left in the dark about the investigations’ specifics, heightening tensions within the assembly.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the investigations revolve around allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption within the assembly. These claims, while yet to be substantiated, have cast a shadow over the institution, prompting Speaker Okero to act. In his statement announcing the suspension, the Speaker underscored the necessity of the move to preserve the assembly’s integrity.
“This decision is not taken lightly,” Speaker Okero stated. “It is vital to allow the investigations to proceed without interference and ensure accountability in our operations.”
However, this decision has left staff members uncertain about their livelihoods. Many employees, reliant on the assembly for their income, expressed anxiety over job security and the indefinite nature of the suspension. One employee, speaking on condition of anonymity, remarked, “We are caught in the middle of something we have no control over, and now we don’t know what the future holds.”
Tensions escalated further when MCAs attempting to access the assembly premises were stopped by security personnel, who cited the suspension as the reason for denying entry. The MCAs voiced concerns about being excluded from the decision-making process, calling the move abrupt and undemocratic.
Opposition leaders within the assembly were particularly critical of the suspension, describing it as a tactic to stifle dissent. They argued that such a measure undermines the democratic functioning of the assembly and prevents elected representatives from addressing critical issues affecting Nyamira County.
“This is not how democracy should work,” an opposition MCA declared. “The Speaker’s actions are a blow to transparency and accountability, and we will not sit idly by.”
Outside the assembly, residents of Nyamira County have begun questioning the impact of the suspension on governance. Many citizens rely on the assembly to address pressing local concerns, and the disruption has left them uncertain about how these issues will be resolved during the shutdown.
Local civil society groups and activists have called for public forums to discuss the implications of the suspension. They are urging residents to engage actively in these discussions, emphasizing the importance of citizen vigilance during this period of uncertainty.
“We need to ensure our leaders are held accountable,” said one activist. “The public deserves to know what’s happening and how it affects governance in Nyamira County.”
As investigations continue, it remains unclear when normal operations at the assembly will resume. The suspension has exposed deep-seated issues within the institution, raising questions about governance and the mechanisms in place to ensure accountability.
For now, Nyamira County’s residents and leaders are left in a confused state,awaiting clarity on the allegations and the outcome of the investigations. The situation underscores the critical need for transparent communication and collaborative efforts to restore public confidence in the assembly’s operations.
