Fists Fly as MCAs Eject Speaker During Live Proceedings
Tension flared in the Nyamira County Assembly on Tuesday, October 8, when Speaker Enoch Okelo was forcefully removed from his office by a group of enraged MCAs.
Just moments before the Speaker’s ejection, a physical altercation broke out among the MCAs in the chambers, resulting in the suspension of House proceedings. This dramatic ousting occurred just weeks after the unsuccessful impeachment attempt of Governor Amos Nyaribo, signaling ongoing discord within the county’s leadership. Okelo’s removal underscores the escalating power struggles that pose a threat to the country’s stability.
Bystanders captured footage of the MCAs physically escorting Okelo from his office, pushing him toward his vehicle while seizing documents he was carrying. The confrontation arose from corruption allegations, with accusations that Okelo had allied with a faction attempting to shield Governor Nyaribo from impeachment.
The chaos ensued as Okelo was set to announce court orders reinstating former Majority Leader Mr. Mose and two members of the County Assembly Service Board (CASB). These individuals had been ousted for backing Nyaribo during last month’s impeachment attempt, and the MCAs, many of whom supported the governor’s removal, strongly opposed their reinstatement.
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This incident marks yet another tumultuous event in Nyamira’s political landscape. Last month, Nyaribo narrowly avoided impeachment, with 22 out of 34 MCAs voting for his removal. The motion fell short by just one vote, allowing the governor to retain his position.
The failure to remove Nyaribo has fostered deep resentment among the MCAs, many of whom are now seeking retribution against those who opposed their efforts.
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Tensions have been rising since Nyaribo’s near-impeachment. The governor faced serious accusations of significant constitutional violations and incompetence, which could have abruptly ended his administration.
However, with only 12 votes against the motion and no abstentions, Nyaribo’s political survival has only exacerbated divisions within the assembly.
During the impeachment discussions, the MCAs contended that Nyaribo violated Article 181 of the Constitution and neglected his responsibilities as governor. One MCA openly expressed the assembly’s resolve to impeach the governor, referencing the County Government Act and standing orders. This wasn’t Nyaribo’s first encounter with such scrutiny—he narrowly escaped a similar attempt 11 months ago.
With Okelo’s ousting, Nyamira’s political future is clouded with uncertainty. Reports indicate that the same group of 22 MCAs who voted for Nyaribo’s impeachment may now aim to remove Okelo from the Speaker’s role. The conflict shows no signs of resolution, as both factions prepare for a protracted power struggle.
Okelo, a former MCA from Manga Ward, had ascended to the Speaker’s position with an impressive 34 votes in the initial election round, while his nearest rival, former Speaker Moffat Teya, received only nine votes—indicative of the significant backing Okelo once had.
Yet, his fortunes have drastically changed as the contest for Nyamira’s leadership control heats up.
Fists Fly as MCAs Eject Speaker During Live Proceedings
