Confusion over Kisumu Minority leadership
What you need to know:
- Two different names tabled in the House for the position.
- New Majority leadership also sworn in.
The Kisumu County Assembly was on Tuesday afternoon thrown into confusion when two different names for the position of Leader of Minority were presented to the House.
Minority Leader Eddy Anayo, whose position had been taken away by nominated MCA Bob Ndolo, tabled Joshua Auko as the new leader of Minority and himself as the new Minority Whip.
Caroline Owen (Kisumu North) then stunned the House when she read another letter to the House purportedly from the party endorsing Maurice Ondiek (Miwani) as the new Minority Leader.
Meanwhile, the new acting Leader of Majority Marlin Atieno Akinyi (Kobura) and her deputy James Omollo (West Nyakach) were sworn in.
However, Mr Ondiek, a member of the minority People’s Democratic Party (PDP), protested a claim by Mr Anayo that he was absent during the meeting to endorse Mr Auko.
Mr Anayo insisted that the list was endorsed by the party and signed by all those who were in attendance.
Ms Owen also said that her letter was genuine.
“This letter is from the party and has advised the new minority leader as Mr Maurice Ondiek,” she said to the applause of members from the majority party.
Mr Anayo was removed from his position and replaced by Mr Ndolo, a decision that was quickly rescinded by the PDP leader Omingo Magara.
SWORN IN
Deputy Speaker Pamela Omino said she would make a decision on the matter at 9 am on Wednesday.
Mr Anayo later told the Nation that there was only one name the party had endorsed and that was Mr Auko.
“Someone cannot purport to bring a letter and endorse himself as the new minority leader. There are structures and they should be followed at all times,” said Mr Anayo.
Meanwhile, the new acting Leader of Majority Marlin Atieno Akinyi (Kobura) and her deputy James Omollo (West Nyakach) were sworn in.
The Leader of Majority and her deputy will act until a committee investigating the conduct of the former holders of office has finalised its work.
Former Leader of Majority Samwel Ong’ow and his deputy, John Olum, were suspended by ODM three weeks ago following a confrontation in the Assembly where Mrs Omino was hurt and hospitalised.
There had been concerns that without the substantive leaders, the Assembly was operating in an illegality and the motions passed could be declared null and void.
On Monday, Mrs Omino told the Nation the motions may have to be tabled afresh.
The motions that risk nullification regard devolution of the procurement process to wards and the establishment of an Assembly communication department.
They were discussed last Wednesday.
