The Nandi County Assembly has been indefinitely adjourned following chaotic scenes on November 13, 2024, that led to a premature suspension of sittings. The fracas erupted over the contentious adoption of an Ad Hoc committee report, which criticized the county government’s alleged mismanagement of public project funds for the financial years 2022/2023 and 2023/2024.
A statement from Speaker Philemon Melly described the incident as one of the most volatile moments in the Assembly’s history, marked by property destruction and injuries to members and staff. “In exercise of powers bestowed on me under Standing Order 111(1), and given the prevailing situation, I had to adjourn the House,” said Speaker Melly. He added that the Assembly would remain adjourned sine die, with a resumption date to be announced later.
The brawl, which highlighted deep divisions among the 44 Members of County Assembly (MCAs), occurred during a heated debate over the report. MCAs supporting the report disrupted the voting process when it became evident that they lacked the numbers to pass the motion. The final tally saw 11 votes in favor and 20 against, while other members abstained.
Stakes of the Report
Had the motion passed, it would have recommended the dismissal of nine County Executive Committee Members, nine Chief Officers, and three Directors for alleged financial improprieties. The Ad Hoc committee, chaired by Kapsabet Town MCA Benjamin Matata, had investigated various county projects and highlighted irregularities in budgetary allocations and outcomes.
Matata expressed disappointment following the failed vote, claiming the county lost a significant opportunity to address longstanding issues of financial mismanagement. Speaking to reporters, he alleged that some MCAs had been compromised to reject the report, undermining efforts to hold the executive accountable.
“This report provided a clear roadmap for addressing the misuse of public funds, but vested interests have prevailed over the needs of the electorate,” Matata said.
Aftermath and Reactions
The chaos drew sharp criticism from Speaker Melly, who condemned the violence as a violation of Chapter Six of the Constitution, the County Assemblies Powers and Privileges Act, and the Assembly’s Standing Orders. He promised thorough investigations into the altercation, pledging that those responsible for the disruption would face disciplinary action.
“I urge all MCAs to exercise restraint and lead by example as leaders entrusted with constitutional responsibilities,” Melly said.
Local leaders and residents have also expressed frustration with the Assembly, particularly with the MCAs who voted against the report. Critics accuse them of betraying public trust and failing to address pressing issues of accountability in county governance.
“There is a perception that some leaders are shielding those responsible for mismanaging funds. The electorate feels let down,” said a local civic leader.
Broader Implications
The events at the Nandi County Assembly underscore a growing tension between elected leaders and their constitutional mandate to oversee public resources. The indefinite adjournment raises concerns about delays in addressing crucial issues, including the audit of public projects and the completion of legislative business.
With Speaker Melly calling for investigations, the political fallout is expected to dominate local politics in the coming weeks. The inability to adopt the report has left questions about the fate of ongoing projects and whether corrective measures will be implemented to improve fiscal accountability.
As residents demand action, the focus now shifts to the Assembly’s leadership to restore order and public confidence. For Nandi County, the incident highlights the urgent need for transparent governance and a unified approach to tackling misuse of public resources.
