Nandi MCAs are now divided into two opposing factions following a fistfight on Tuesday over a report concerning the county’s development status presented at the assembly.
Some MCAs are advocating for the impeachment of Governor Stephen Sang’s executives. The altercation inside the assembly resulted in several MCAs sustaining bruises and minor injuries, as disagreements arose over a report that recommended forming an ad hoc committee to investigate graft allegations.
Police had to use teargas to disperse members of the public who threatened to storm the assembly to pressure the MCAs into adopting the report submitted by Kabisagaa MCA Davis Sum.
Supporters of the report, including MCAs Raymond Chelulei (Songhor/Soba), Maina Shangu (Lessos), and Martin Douglas (Chemelil/Chemase), are pushing for the establishment of the ad hoc committee. In contrast, opponents like Deputy Speaker Wilson Sang (Chepkumia), Walter Teno (Kabiyet), and Milka Chumba (UDA nominated) want the report returned to committee for further review.
The report’s introduction follows a lengthy questioning of county executives and their chief officers by assembly committees to assess the projects completed and funded by the county government across the 30 electoral wards.
Disagreements over the report’s tabling led to violent clashes within the assembly. As tensions escalated, residents of Kapsabet rushed to the assembly but were met with anti-riot police using teargas to maintain order.
The chaos erupted when MCAs realized that the day’s agenda did not include the proposed formation of an ad hoc committee to investigate corruption claims. Angry MCAs disrupted proceedings just as Speaker Cheruiyot Melly called the assembly to order.
The assembly quickly split into two factions: one supporting the advancement of the report and the other seeking to stall it at the committee level. Recognizing the escalating tensions, the Speaker, after consulting with Clerk Barnaba Kosgei, left the chamber escorted by security.
One faction supports Sang’s administration in light of the report, while the other claims to advocate for “justice for the people of Nandi.”
“We will find a way forward on this report despite today’s events,” Sum stated. Speaker Melly indicated he would comment on the situation after a thorough review.
The county has faced numerous graft allegations, and in recent days, Sang has dismissed 1,800 employees found to have been irregularly hired in a payroll scam that has cost the county over Sh2 billion. The governor initiated a human resource audit that uncovered significant payroll irregularities.
“We will fully implement the report to resolve the wage bill crisis once and for all,” Sang affirmed. The illegal hiring is under investigation by the DCI, and Sang insists those responsible must be held accountable. The human resource audit report will also be presented at the assembly for further action.
