A County Assemblies Forum General Assembly (CAF) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi, was abruptly interrupted when a section of the Members of the County Assemblies (MCAs) engaged in a fistfight.
The commotion arose from a heated disagreement over the management of the County Assemblies Forum as section of the lawmakers’ exchanged blows.
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Some MCAs accused Nairobi Majority leader Peter Imwatok of blocking them from airing their grievances.
In videos viewed by The Kenya Times, the MCAs were seen engaging in a fight, throwing punches at each other while others attempted to intervene.
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MCAs Engages into a Fist Fight
At the same time, the sergeant-at-arms could be seen attempting to calm the situation during the altercation.
The background was filled with loud noise as the fight unfolded while organizers urged the leaders to calm down and take their seats.
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The meeting, which brought together MCAs from across the country, was an opportunity for the lawmakers to express their grievances. “We have been turned into beggars!” – MCAs lamented as they push for the allocation of the ward fund.
The MCAs stated that lack of allocation towards their offices have left them depending on financial support from other offices.
However, this is not the first time an MCA meeting has erupted in chaos.
Also Read: Family Slapped with Ksh1.5M Demand Letter After Burial Chaos
Past Incidences of MCAs Altercation
In November last year, members of the County Assembly in Nandi County clashed and exchanged blows during a heated voting session on a special ad hoc committee report, which recommended the dismissal of nearly the entire county cabinet.
The chaos within the assembly broke out when some committee members, who had previously supported the recommendations, allegedly voted against adopting the report, causing tension.
Similarly, during the same month, chaos erupted at the Kirinyaga County Assembly after MCAs disagreed over the removal of Majority Leader Daniel Kibinga.
Adding to the growing list, in the same month, proceedings at the Elgeyo Marakwet County Assembly were momentarily halted after lawmakers engaged in a physical altercation.
This stemmed from a disagreement among members following the tabling of a proposal recommending membership changes within the Isiolo County Public Service Board.
In October, the same year chaos erupted in Nyamira county assembly after members engaged in blows and forcefully ejected Speaker Enock Okero from his seat over allegations of impropriety.
Also Read: Chaos in Parliament as Azimio Takes Over Majority Side
About County Assemblies Forum
CAF was formed in 2013, expanding the membership of its predecessor, the County Assemblies Speakers’ Forum (CASF), to include MCAs.
CAF is a coordinating body of the forty-seven (47) County Assemblies established by the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 under Article 176.
It is registered as a Society under the Societies Act, Laws of Kenya.
The mandate of CAF is to support the County Assemblies perform their three core functions: law making, oversight and representation.
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