Nakuru MCAs Clash Physically Over Appointment Disputes

Proceedings at the Nakuru County Assembly were on Tuesday, November 26, brought to a halt after members of the County Assembly (MCAs) engaged in a physical altercation that lasted for several minutes.

The wrangles ensued moments after Assembly Speaker Joel Karuri formally announced changes in the House leadership. In his announcement, the Speaker appointed Keringet Ward MCA William Mutai as the Majority Leader.

The decision faced strong opposition from a group of MCAs who protested against it. This disagreement escalated into a brawl between two factions of the assembly. 

Speaker Karuri had to temporarily suspend the mid-morning session as the protesting MCAs voiced their frustrations over the controversial decision. During the altercation, Kiamaina MCA Paul Warigi was struck on the neck with an egg.

In the videos seen by Kenyans.co.ke, a group of MCAs were recorded engaging in verbal exchange before the rival factions resorted to a physical altercation. During the incident, some MCAs were captured walking out of the chamber to avoid the fracas.

While venting their concerns, a section of MCAs accused the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party leadership of negligence in resolving the political rivalry within the Nakuru County Assembly.

“When the speaker was making the announcement, one MCA threw an egg at me, which landed on my neck. As you can see, it hit me on the head, and as reputable people, we should not reach that level,” noted MCA Paul Warigi.

“It is beyond, this was a political battle, we have been working together, but recently we realised that this battle does not emanate from within, it is from the party headquarters. This is beyond,” added another MCA.

Moments later, the Assembly Speaker expressed his disappointment over the incident but vowed to ensure the rivaling parties bury the hatch to ensure a seamless transition in the in-house appointment.

The latest incident comes hardly five days after Majority Chief Whip Fadhili Msuri acknowledged the election of Mutai by party members after the dismissal of Mosop ward MCA Alex Lagat.

Lagat, who had served as the majority leader for two years, was dismissed by the majority of MCAs, who accused him of incompetence. His dismissal was approved by UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar, who, in a letter to the County Assembly, urged the MCAs to focus on fostering unity.

The Nakuru County Assembly wrangles add to the number of disagreements witnessed across several county assemblies in the past month, including the recent fight at the Elgeyo Marakwet County Assembly.