Chaos in Machakos Assembly as Suspended MCAs are Barred from accessing chambers

Yesterday and for the second consecutive day, the Machakos County Assembly was in chaos, as attempts by nine suspended Members of County Assembly to access the chambers ignited a fresh wave of chaos.

The standoff escalated into running battles outside the assembly gates, with police teargasing the MCAs and their supporters.

The dramatic scenes unfolded just a day after the Machakos County Assembly Speaker Ann Kiusya, allegedly attempted to announce the changes in both minority and majority partie.

Addressing the locals majority leader Nicolas Nzioka insisted that the letter speaker Kiusya had cited indicating leadership changes was irrelevant.

On wednesday morning, Katangi Ward MCA Felix Guui sustained leg injuries after being forcefully ejected from Assembly Chamber.

 Those suspended include Matungulu West MCA Raphael Nzau Lucky, majority leader Nicholas Nzioka, deputy speaker Stephen Mwanthi, and nominated MCAs Catherine Kyee, Anna Ndilo ,Judas Ndawa ,Katangi Felix Muthunga , Catharine Kyee and Phoebi Kioki who were suspended for eight sitting days.

The speaker was forced to flee to her office due to the level of aggression directed to her.

Eyewitnesses reported a volatile exchange, followed by pushes and shoves, as police officers moved to physically block the suspended MCAs. 

The confrontation then spilled out of the immediate vicinity of the assembly entrance, leading to a tense chase as police deployed teargas canisters to disperse the agitated group.

The air around the assembly building was thick with teargas, causing discomfort and distress to those in the vicinity.

The fresh eruption of chaos underscores the deep-seated political rifts that have plagued the Machakos County Assembly for months, severely disrupting legislative proceedings.

 The assembly has reportedly struggled to hold full sittings for the past three months, a period marked by accusations and counter-accusations between different factions of MCAs and even alleged executive interference.

The suspensions stem from a long-running power struggle, particularly over changes in minority leadership within the assembly. 

Speaker Kiusya's recent announcement of a new minority leader, reportedly based on communication from the Wiper Democratic Movement, further inflamed tensions, leading to the initial melee in April that prompted the current suspensions.

As Machakos residents watch over, the repeated scenes of pandemonium raise serious questions about the functionality and decorum of their legislative body. 

The ongoing deadlock not only hinders the county's ability to address critical issues but also erodes public trust in its elected representatives.

 With the budget presentation for the new financial year looming, the continued instability within the assembly poses a significant threat to the timely passage of crucial legislation and the effective governance of Machakos County.