Speaker Kiusya back in court as Machakos Assembly power struggle escalates

Machakos County Assembly during the unveiling of the 2024/2025 budget on June 20, 2024. [John Muia, Standard]

Machakos County Assembly Speaker Anne Kiusya has returned to the High Court to contest orders that reinstated nine suspended Members of County Assembly (MCAs), escalating political tensions in the county.

Speaker Kiusya had suspended the MCAs for 28 sittings over alleged indiscipline and violation of Assembly rules. However, the court issued temporary orders allowing them to resume duties-a decision the Speaker now challenges as unfair and based on incomplete disclosures.

Her lawyer, Danstan Omari, argued in court that the Speaker had made a ruling following standing orders and precedent from other counties when she suspended the MCAs.

Omari claimed the MCAs withheld crucial facts in their court filings and now they are armed with recordings and harzard reports to prove she was acting within the law.

"The orders were made ex parte, and we were not given a chance to present our side. We urge the court to set them aside," Omari said.

The suspended MCAs include senior Assembly figures: Majority Leader Nicholas Nzioka, Deputy Speaker Stephen Nzue Mwanthi, former Minority Leader Judas Mbili Ndawa, and MCAs Felix Ngui, Raphael Nzau, Charles Mbuva, Phoebe Koki, Anna Ndilo, and Catherine Kyee.

Lawyer Omari also criticized the leadership, urging the governor to pursue legal channels if she seeks to remove the Speaker.

"If the Governor believes she has the numbers, she should table an impeachment motion. We are guided by the law," he said.

The dispute has deepened the political divide between the Assembly and Governor Wavinya Ndeti's administration.

Kinanie/Mathatani MCA Francis Kavyu accused the governor of inciting the public against the Speaker during a church service, alleging she threatened to lead protests demanding Kiusya's ouster.

Kavyu said that the governor should separate and keep away from the affairs of the Machakos County Assembly.

"We want to tell the governor that the constitution is very clear and the Assembly is not an arm of the executive and she should not interfere with their affairs. Do your job and keep off the affairs of the Assembly since our work is oversight," he added.

"Such utterances are reckless and undermine the rule of law," said Kavyu.