Legal Battle Intensifies in Machakos Over Ousted MCAs

Machakos County faces deepened political uncertainty as Speaker Kiusya challenges court's MCA reinstatement.

The power struggle in Machakos County has intensified after County Assembly Speaker Anne Kiusya moved to the High Court to challenge an order that reinstated nine expelled Members of County Assembly.

This legal maneuver marks a new twist in the ongoing dispute, as the Speaker seeks to overturn the decision that allowed the ousted MCAs to return to their legislative duties.

The nine MCAs were reportedly expelled from the County Assembly earlier this year for various reasons, though the specific grounds for their removal have been a subject of contention. 

Their expulsion led to a political vacuum and considerable friction within the assembly. The High Court's recent decision to reinstate them was seen as a temporary victory for the ousted members, but Speaker Kiusya's appeal now puts their return on hold once again.

While the detailed arguments presented by Speaker Kiusya's legal team are yet to be fully disclosed, it is anticipated that her challenge will focus on the procedural legality of the High Court's reinstatement order and the grounds on which the MCAs were initially expelled.

Sources close to the matter suggest that the Speaker may argue that the court overstepped its jurisdiction or that the process of expulsion was conducted in line with assembly standing orders and relevant legal frameworks.

This latest development is expected to prolong the political uncertainty plaguing Machakos County. The ongoing disputes have often hampered legislative processes and the smooth functioning of county governance.

The outcome of this High Court challenge will have significant implications for the balance of power within the County Assembly and could set a precedent for similar disputes in other counties.

Residents of Machakos County will be keenly watching these proceedings, hoping for a swift resolution that allows their representatives to focus on service delivery rather than internal power battles.