The County Assembly on Thursday adopted two key motions presented by the House Business Committee (HBC) and Hon. Robert Kundu Makhanu, Member of County Assembly (MCA) representing Kongoni Ward. The HBC motion moved by Hon. Philip Ondako Maina, Majority Leader and Member of County Assembly (MCA) representing Marama Central Ward was on the Bunge Mashinani Initiative that intends to sensitize Kakamega residents at the grassroots on the functions of the County Assembly and incorporate open governance through House sittings across the five Municipalities in the County While Hon. Makhanu moved a motion on the question of privilege of Honorable Members (MCAs) and threat to their security. Speaking after moving the motion for debate, Hon. Maina said that once adopted, the motion will give the county residents an opportunity to engage MCAs, observe what they do at the Assembly and go home satisfied as a way of demystifying the misconception among electorates about the County Assembly.

“There is a notion outside there that we (MCAs) are not working and this will give the residents an opportunity to appreciate what we do as an Assembly,” he reaffirmed. He was seconded by Ingotse-Matiha Ward representative Hon. Absolom Andati who added that the motion will give the public a different perception with regards to MCAs’ mandate. His remarks were in agreement with special-elect MCA Hon. Niver Oluchiri. Likuyani Ward MCA Hon. Brian Mafunga suppoeted the motion saying that the initiative was a noble idea that will assist in marketing the entire county and give a big idea of what electorates expect of county legislators. Hon. Doreen Muyonga (nominated) added her voice to the motion that and opined that it will be a game changer to the Assembly and that MCAs will be accessible to the people and be held accountable as the young generation will be inspired. She was supported by Idakho South legislator Hon. Stephen Mukhala who added that going to the people was sort of semi-devolution. Others who rallied behind the motion included; Mumias Central Ward, Hon. Ali Okomba, Lumakanda MCA and Majority Whip Hon. Benard Mulama, Etenje Ward legislator Hon. Eddy Obwaka and Malaha/Isongo/Makunga Ward MCA Hon. Peter Walunya who reiterated that by going to the people, it will help the public know and understand who the real implementors of county projects are. “This will help us release pressure from our end and exert it to other quarters (county executive),” remarked Counsel Walunya. On the contrary, Chekalini Ward representative Hon. Titus Kwoma opposed the move on the grounds that the initiative was going to be costly to the Assembly and that members could still execute their mandates effectively at the County Assembly precincts. “How will honorable members move to far-flanged areas?” questioned the Minority Whip. Kwoma challenged his colleagues to carry out their oversight role on stalled county projects and cautioned them to prepare for a big embarrassment to the public if they shy from talking about the stalled projects.

The sentiments were echoed by the Koyonzo Ward legislator Hon. Donald Okumu and nominated MCA Hon. Sarah Watsula who advised that despite the initiative being a good idea, proper implementation structures were to be in place for it to be successful. MOTION ON SECURITY OF MCAs The motion by Hon. Makhanu sought to adopt a number of resolutions with regards to the welfare, security and order of precedence of honorable members during official functions. Honourable Members unanimously agreed that they were endangered and that necessary security measures were to be taken by both national and county governments for the safety of Members of County Assembly (MCAs) both at home and work places. While moving the motion on behalf of Hon. Makhanu, Butali-Chegulo Ward Hon. Kevin Mahelo proposed a number of recommendations to the resolutions with a call for support from members. He was seconded by Hon. Titus Kwoma who expressed his reservations in relation to threats and harassment of members seen as opponents to the government with calls for respect and tolerance among politicians regardless of members political alignments. “Those with divergent views should be listened to and accorded the dignity they deserve but not to be isolated,” stated Kwoma, “we can differ politically but let us bear it……. when a honorable member is raising a genuine issue, we are simply correcting the government of the day,” addedthe concerned legislator. He was supported by Butsotso East MCA Hon. Dickson Lovega who decried that scuffles and attack incidents of politicians were unfortunate and retrogressive as he expressed his fears. “We are politically exposed Mr. Speaker….and we are not safe even right back at homes,” lamented Lovega. In response to members’ concerns, the Speaker of the County Assembly Rt. Hon. James Namatsi assured them that their security concerns were with the Office of the Inspector General (IG) awaiting a national solution. “I together with other Speakers through County Assemblies Forum (CAF) took the matter with the IG to have a solution but we need a local solution,” reassured the Speaker with a caution that the call to have all MCAs across the country licensed to have firearms was not cost-effective. He advised that if a member feels insecure, the Officer Commanding the Police Division (OCPD) was to be notified in advance to provide security. Other members in support for the motion were; Hon. Amos Liyayi (nominated), Isukha West MCA Hon. Samwel Segero, Sheywe Ward representative Hon. Moses Musundi among others.