A group from Western Kenya cite tribalism in appointment of Nairobi County Ag. Clerk

By Shadrack Nyakoe

A section of Luhya community has today called for Inclusivity in Nairobi City County Assembly leadership following the court ruling that barred both Edward Gichana and Jacob Ngwele as Clerks of the Assembly creating a vacuum which was to be occupied by one Pauline Akuku but was indefinitely given to Adah Ongango.

Luhya community Nairobi Branch led by it’s spokesperson Sammy Maina has condemned the act by the service board of denying Ms. Pauline Akuku the opportunity in acting capacity of the Clerk of the Assembly.

“The Luhya community is aggrieved by the act of the assembly leadership which has consistently breached the constitution by ignoring the decision of the board which voted one Pauline Akuku to assume office in an acting capacity until the substantive clerk is declared by the court,” Maina said.

He added that Luhya’s population in Nairobi is over one million but representation is poor in the board as well as leadership.

They have claimed justice since the Speaker’s seat was allocated a different tribe after former Speaker Beatrice Elachi was unseated last year following a series of internal feuds.

Matopeni Springs Valley Ward Rep who doubles up as the majority has asked the House to discipline Clerk Gichana and them that participated in circulating the fake letter of appointing Ms Pauline Akuku on social media.

Today Speaker Benson Mutura has called the House into order emphasizing on Adah Onyango as the interim Clerk.

This comes a day after he issued a letter of appointment to Ms Onyango.

The letter read, “The court of appeal on Friday 4th June issued injunction against Mr Edward Gichana from exercising the powers, privileges and responsibilities of the clerk pending the hearing and determination of the intended appeal this creating a vacuum in the office of the Clerk.

Thus, in compliance with the said court decision and considering the prevailing administrative circumstances in the county assembly and the critical functions in the office of the Clerk in day to day running of the Count Assembly, I wish to inform you the decision of the board in a meeting held on 7th June 2021 appointing you as the Acting Clerk as we wait for the court verdict.”

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