MCAs eject Speaker Ann Adul from chambers
An MCA is restrained from attacking the Kisumu County Assembly Speaker Ann Adul. The county government has finally advertised for tenders to install elevators in its 12-storey headquarters following complaints from the disabled. PHOTO | TOM OTIENO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The reps who were chanting anti-Adul slogans said they will not allow her to convene any sessions ‘because she is a stranger to the House.’
- Ms Adul maintained she was still the Speaker by virtue of the court order and also the fact that no notice had been given indicating her impeachment and vacancy of her office.
Members of the County Assembly Tuesday ejected embattled Speaker Ann Adul from the chambers as she attempted to convene a session.
The MCAs literally chased Ms Adul out of the premises accusing her of disrespecting the decision by the House to impeach her.
The reps who were chanting anti-Adul slogans said they will not allow her to convene any sessions ‘because she is a stranger to the House.’
Ms Adul was impeached last month but the High Court in Kisumu issued orders reinstating her pending the determination of her case.
She had issued a gazette notice on Friday that business would resume November 11. The notice bearing her signature read: “Pursuant to the Interim Assembly Standing Orders 24 (4), the County Assembly of Kisumu hereby gives notice to the members and the general public that it will resume its regular sessions on Tuesday, 11th November, starting at 2.30pm at the County Assembly Chambers.”
But the MCAs would have none of that. Led by Ms Nereah Okombo (Manyatta B), Joseph Otiende (South West Kisumu) and nominated member Ms Lydia Odhiambo, the MCAs kicked her out and accused her of causing disturbance in the House.
“We have already impeached her and any attempts to reopen the Assembly are null and void,” Ms Okombo said.
“Ms Adul is only causing disturbance in the House in the name of obeying court orders,” she said.
Ms Odhiambo said: “She is no longer our Speaker, we do not recognise her authority in this Assembly.”
But Ms Adul maintained she was still the Speaker by virtue of the court order and also the fact that no notice had been given indicating her impeachment and vacancy of her office. “Action to eject me is in contravention of court orders,” she said.
“I am still the Speaker. The Standing Orders are very clear on the procedures of impeaching a Speaker and which the Assembly has failed to observe this,” said Ms Adul.
