Uhuru, DP skip launch of new Nairobi County Assembly chambers

The new Nairobi County Assembly chambers. The battle to control the assembly has hit new heights after two Cord MCAs “defected” to Jubilee Party. PHOTO | LILLIAN MUTAVI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Public Accounts chairman Robert Mbatia said the changes regarding invited guests had delayed the event.
  • Cord MCAs had threatened to heckle the President after the leadership of the assembly failed to invite Raila Odinga.

The opening of a renovated Nairobi County Assembly chambers on Tuesday was delayed after President Kenyatta failed to show up, though he had confirmed he would attend.

The function, scheduled to begin at 9am, had not started an hour later.

Sources at City Hall said President Kenyatta had cancelled the assembly appointment noting that he was busy elsewhere.

Public Accounts chairman Robert Mbatia said the changes regarding invited guests had delayed the event.

He added that Deputy President William Ruto was to preside over the function but cancelled after Cord members of the county assembly (MCAs) threatened to walk out.

The new chambers were renovated to look like the National Assembly.

Cord MCAs had threatened to heckle the President after leaders in the assembly failed to invite Cord leader Raila Odinga.

The function was then to be presided over by Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu, with Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero present to address the assembly.

By 11am, however, the opening of the chambers appeared to have stalled after Jubilee MCAs boycotted the assembly, stating that the Cord MCAs had caused both the President and his deputy to cancel.

They said they would not attend the function if Dr Kidero presides over the ceremony.

Meanwhile, restless invited guests started walking out after waiting for more than two hours with no sign of the festivities starting.