‘Kidero bouncers’ control City Hall, MCAs tell House

Makongeni MCA Peter Imwatok. He claimed two bouncers on December 9 tried to force him swear by God he was not anti-Kidero. [Photo: James Mwangi]

Bouncers calling themselves ‘security men’ are allegedly giving junior and senior staff at City Hall a hard time.

It is claimed the ‘security men’ have been apportioned exclusive powers from a higher office and have taken control of the governor’s affairs, bullying officials and members of the County Assembly perceived to be ‘unfriendly.’

“Everyone in these offices live in perpetual fear, always praying not to find themselves on the wrong. They even cause trouble in the office of County Secretary,” an official told The Nairobian.

Makongeni Ward rep Peter Imwatok allegedly fell in the hands of the bouncers after he allegedly claimed the ‘bouncers’ were after MCAs who have raised questions concerning the operations of the county government.

On December 9, Imwatok told the Assembly that two bouncers identified as Ken Obuya and Elisha Odhiambo accosted him at City Hall, and attempted to force him to swear by God’s name that he would not criticise Kidero in the Assembly.

The dreaded men are allegedly close to the governor but are not employees of the county government. “The gang claimed I have paid people to insult Kidero on social media and they frog marched me to Kidero’s office only to find that the governor absent.

MCAs want to know who pays them and from where they receive their orders. Accusing fingers are currently pointing at Kidero’s office.

Kidero and County Secretary Lilian Ndegwa however did not respond to texts sent to them by The Nairobian even as the Assembly directed that investigations be carried into the matter.

The County Director of Communications, Walter Mong’are, said Elisha and his colleagues are independently working for Kidero and not the county government.

“As the communication department, we cannot speak on behalf of independent employees,” said Mong’are.

He told The Nairobian that if the matter involved county staff, the human resources department would have taken appropriate disciplinary action.

On September 10, 2013 MCAs, complained after the bouncers allegedly beat up nominated MCA Janet Wala and injured her leg during a scuffle between Kidero and Nairobi Women Representative Rachael Shebesh at City Hall.

Police and medical reports indicate that Wala was kicked in the neck, face and limbs. The assault was reported to Parliament Police Station, but no action has been taken against the attacker.

Many county officials and MCAs have allegedly been assaulted by the said bouncers. There are claims the bouncers wanted to ‘impeach’ deputy governor Jonathan Mueke. However Mueke told The Nairobian, “I am not privy to these claims.”

Mongare argued that the accusations will be treated as mere allegations unless the MCAs lodge their complaints with relevant authorities.

Imwatok told the Assembly that his assaulters warned him and other members considered to be against Kidero of unspecified action.

“People working with the governor have no respect for women,” Kariokor MCA Millicent Mugadi had claimed on September 10, 2013.

“I am even scared to wear a fitting dress because they would make lewd remarks, which is sexual harassment.”