Murang'a MCA takes Tuju to tribunal over majority leader post

MCA Amos Murigi, who wants a tribunal to give orders to recognise him as the Majority Leader in the Murang'a County Assembly. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Mr Amos Murigi was elected on January 5, 2018 in a controversial meeting in Kiambu to replace Mr Eric Kamande.
  • But on January 17, Mr Tuju nullified the poll and said Mr Kamande should remain majority leader.

A Murang’a MCA has​ filed an application against the Jubilee Party, seeking orders from a tribunal to recognise him as the bona fide majority leader.

Kimorori MCA Amos Murigi listed the party's Secretary-General Raphael Tuju​​, e​mbattled branch chairman Simon Kamau and the current majority leader Eric Kamande as respondents​.​​

LEADERSHIP

Mr Murigi was elected on January 5, 2018 in a controversial meeting in Kiambu to replace Mr Kamande, but on January 17, Mr Tuju nullified the poll and said Mr Kamande should remain majority leader.

In the petition filed at the Political Parties and Disputes Tribunal and s​een by the Nation, Mr Murigi said that despite his election as the majority leader on January 5, the respondents barred him from assuming.

He said this caused a “stalemate, acrimony and confusion” hence, derailing the supervisory and legislative role of the Assembly.

OFFICE

Mr Murigi said the respondents are using a derogatory and malicious campaign to punish him for accepting the will of the majority of the MCAs to become their leader.

He urged the tribunal to intervene to prevent loss of lives

“If this honourable court does not urgently intervene and grant the orders sought herein, the political stalemate in Murang’a will escalate to dangerous political bickering that may lead to loss of lives,” the petition reads in part.

He wants the tribunal to compel the respondents to affirm, facilitate the assumption of office and ensure he enjoys the full benefits of being the majority leader.

PARTY

The move by Mr Murigi comes barely a month after the Jubilee Party held a reconciliatory meeting at Mombasa and agreed to work together with Mr Kamande as the majority leader.

Mr Murigi attended the meeting convened by Mr Tuju, Jubilee party officials and Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria.

Assembly members also agreed to withdraw numerous court cases against each other.

One case was filed over the breach of peace by Mr Murigi when he and other members stormed Mr Kamande’s office and the clerk’s office in Murang’a and tried to eject them.

Other cases include a petition challenging the election of the Speaker and two challenging the process followed in nominating Assembly members.

CRITICISM

Nominated MCA Jane Wanjiru criticised Mr Murigi’s move, saying he only wants to derail the operations of the House.

Ms Wanjiru, who is also the branch vice chairperson for Jubilee Party, said although the leaders participated in the Kiambu meeting, the party dismissed Mr Murigi’s election.

“We can’t keep revolving around one case. The Jubilee Party dismissed his election and he even vowed to work together with the majority leader to spearhead development. We don’t support his move,” she said.