The Kilifi County Assembly was indefinitely closed on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, following a dramatic protest by county lawmakers. The closure came in response to the arrest of one of their fellow Members of County Assembly (MCA), creating a significant disruption in the legislative functions of the assembly.
The protest erupted during a chaotic session where the MCAs vociferously demonstrated their dissatisfaction, arguing that the constituents of Shimo la Tewa were being left without representation due to the arrest of their MCA. The lawmaker in question had been detained at Shimo la Tewa prison, which prompted his colleagues to take a stand.
“We have closed down our Assembly, in solidarity with our counterpart who has been held in custody at Shimo la Tewa. We also want to express our solidarity with Shimo la Tewa residents. We stand with them in this moment,” the MCAs declared while staging their protest. The demonstrators emphasized their determination to continue protesting until the situation was resolved.
The arrest, which has stirred significant controversy, stemmed from an incident on March 27 in Mtwapa. According to previous media reports, the MCA was involved in an altercation that tragically resulted in the death of a boda boda rider. The MCA had reportedly been escorting government officials to reclaim a piece of land that had allegedly been encroached upon. The identities of the individuals asked to vacate the land were not immediately disclosed.
This incident has not only triggered a legal battle but also highlighted the volatile nature of land disputes in the region. The closure of the Kilifi County Assembly marks a pivotal moment as the MCAs stand firm in their protest, demanding justice and fair representation for their colleague and the constituents of Shimo la Tewa.
As the situation develops, it remains uncertain when the assembly will resume its activities. The MCAs’ unwavering stance underscores the gravity of the issue at hand, with potential implications for governance and public service delivery in Kilifi County. The protest has garnered attention both locally and nationally, as stakeholders closely watch the unfolding events.
For now, Kilifi County residents await further developments, hoping for a swift and just resolution to the matter.
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