Tension erupted in the Nyamira County Assembly on Tuesday, October 8, as Speaker Enoch Okelo was forcefully ejected from his office by a group of furious MCAs.[โฆ]CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLEโถ
Moments before the Speaker was ejected from the Assembly, MCAs traded blows in the chambers, forcing the suspension of House business. The dramatic ousting came just weeks after the failed impeachment of Governor Amos Nyaribo, a sign of ongoing infighting within the countyโs leadership. Okeloโs removal highlights the growing power struggles that threaten to destabilise the county.
Footage captured by bystanders shows MCAs physically removing Okelo from his office, pushing him towards his car while confiscating documents he was holding. The confrontation stems from allegations of corruption, with Okelo accused of collaborating with a faction that sought to protect Governor Nyaribo from impeachment.
The chaos unfolded as Okelo was preparing to read out court orders that would have reinstated former Majority Leader Mr Mose and two members of the County Assembly Service Board (CASB).
These individuals had been removed from office for their support of Nyaribo during last monthโs impeachment bid. The MCAs, many of whom backed the governorโs ouster, vehemently opposed the reinstatement.
This is just the latest chapter in Nyamiraโs turbulent political scene. Last month, Nyaribo narrowly survived impeachment when 22 out of 34 MCAs voted in favour of his removal. The motion required 23 votes to pass, sparing the governor by a single vote.
The failure to oust Nyaribo has left a bitter rift among the MCAs, with many seeking revenge on those who thwarted their efforts.
Tensions have been simmering ever since Nyaribo’s close call with impeachment. The governor had faced accusations of gross violation of the Constitution and incompetence, allegations that could have brought his tenure to an abrupt end.
However, with just 12 votes against the motion and none abstaining, Nyariboโs political survival has only deepened divisions within the assembly.
During the impeachment proceedings, the MCAs argued that Nyaribo had violated Article 181 of the Constitution and failed in his duties as governor. One MCA boldly declared the assemblyโs intent to impeach the governor, citing the County Government Act and standing orders. This was not the first time Nyaribo had faced such scrutinyโhe narrowly survived a similar attempt 11 months ago.
Now, with Okeloโs ouster, the political landscape in Nyamira remains fraught with uncertainty. Reports suggest that the same group of 22 MCAs who voted to impeach Nyaribo may now turn their sights on removing Okelo from his position as Speaker. The confrontation appears far from over, with both sides digging in for a prolonged power struggle.
Okelo, a former MCA of Manga Ward, had secured the speaker’s role with an overwhelming 34 votes in the first round of elections. His closest competitor, former Speaker Moffat Teya, garnered only nine votes, a reflection of the broad support Okelo once enjoyed.
Yet, his fortunes have shifted dramatically as the battle for control of Nyamiraโs leadership intensifiesโฆCLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES>>>
