Women dominate as UDA makes changes in Nairobi assembly

 

President William Ruto-led party has effected changes in its leadership at the Nairobi county assembly.

UDA secretary general Cleophas Malala on Monday announced the changes.

"Pursuant to and in accordance with provisions of standing orders no 21 of the Nairobi County Assembly, the party appoints South B MCA Waithera Chege as Minority leader replacing Waithaka MCA Antony Kiragu," reads the letter.

Waithera will be deputized by Deonysias Mwangi (Guthurai MCA).

Umoja One MCA Mark Mugambi has been replaced by Nominated MCA Joyce Muthoni as Minority whip.

Muthoni will be deputized by Clay MCA Samora Mwaura as her deputy.

Malala in a letter said a meeting had been held earlier by UDA MCAs where the discussion to remove the former leadership was raised.

"In the said meeting it was resolved that the minority leader and the minority whip be removed for reasons contained in the referred minutes. We enclose herewith copies of the said minutes and the signed attendance record of the honourable members," reads the letter.

The letter was addressed to the office of the Speaker and copied to the minority leadership.

A section of the legislators on Thursday last week had called the party's top leadership to change their leaders at the assembly.

At least 35 MCAs from the Ruto-led party appended their signatures in support of the ouster of MCA Kiragu and MCA Mugambi from the leadership positions.

According to the UDA lawmakers, the two had failed to offer direction and leadership to party members on critical legislative matters.

The MCAs led by Kahawa West MCA Clement Kamaru said the time was ripe for the change.

"We have been patient with both the Leader of Minority and  Minority Chief Whip for far too long, but now we must let them go for the benefit of our party and members. Enough is enough," they said. 

They accused both leaders of pursuing their interests, excluding the needs of the members.

The UDA MCAs also claimed that the two leaders have been undermining and sidelining women, especially those who were nominated to the leadership space.

Nominated MCA Joyce Kamau stated the two leaders were also selfish when allocating opportunities to their colleagues and residents of Nairobi.

As a result, they called on UDA's party leadership to install new leaders at the assembly who would truly represent the interests of the people.

It is expected that Speaker Ken Ng'ondi will communicate the changes made by the ruling party during Tuesday's plenary session.   BY THE STAR