Siaya assembly deputy Speaker suspended over alleged misconduct
Nyanza
By
Isaiah Gwengi
| Feb 18, 2024
Siaya County Assembly Deputy Speaker Andericus Oduor has been suspended for two weeks for alleged gross misconduct and breach of privileges.
Oduor who is also the West Ugenya MCA, has also been suspended from presiding or chairing the Committee on Liasion.
According to a report by the Assembly's Committee on Powers and Privileges chaired by Speaker George Okode, the Deputy Speaker is accused of allegedly using threatening and abusive language against members of the Committee on General Oversight in contravention of Section 26(1)(a) of the County Assemblies Powers and Privileges Act,2017.
"The member engaged in actions and made utterances which were demeaning to the office of the deputy Speaker and a member of the Siaya county assembly, which he signed and committed to," read the report.
Oduor found himself in trouble after he allegedly influenced members of the Committee on General Oversight through force, intimidation and threats.
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According to the report, the matter was referred to the Committee on Powers and Privileges to inquire into the conduct of the member in line with Standing Order 199 A (3).
"Based on the MCA's conduct, the committee established that he endeavored to compel the members present at the Committee to declare themselves in favour of a wrong proposition that he made to the Committee on the matter under consideration by the committee, in contravention of Section 26(1)(a) of the County Assemblies Powers and Privileges Act,2017," read the report.
Oduor who has been accused of causing disorder in the meeting and conducting himself in a disorderly manner, has also been suspended from presiding over the business of the plenary, pending appearance before the committee and determination of the matter.
During his suspension, the deputy Speaker will not chair any committee of the House in an acting capacity.
Oduor was further suspended from House committees save for the Committee on General Oversight.
"Pending the determination of the matter, any other breach of privilege or misconduct by the member shall attract the immediate commencement of the process to remove him from the office of the Deputy Speaker," read the committee report.
The embattled deputy Speaker told The Standard that he was indeed suspended but declined to give details of what transpired.
He argued that there is nothing substantial from the committee to warrant his suspension.
"It's true. I've been suspended, and I will allow the law to take its course. I am also ready to quit the Deputy Speaker's seat if that is what the committee will recommend but will remain a representative of the people of West Ugenya in the Assembly," he said.