Cleophas Malala approves leadership changes at Nairobi Assembly
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) secretary general Cleophas Malala has endorsed the changes recently made by the party at the Nairobi County Assembly.
In a letter dated October 23, 2023, Malala confirmed the ruling party had approved the decision made by a majority of the Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) who ‘desired for change’ in the Assembly.
In the changes, Ms Waithera Chege has been named Minority Leader.
She will be deputized by Githurai Ward MCA Deonysias Mwangi.
Meanwhile, nominated MCA Joyce Muthoni was named as the Minority Whip. She will be deputized by Clay City MCA Samora Maura.
In their first address, while awaiting communication from the Speaker, Ms Chege promised a vibrant engagement of party affairs, interests, and position at the Assembly, which has a majority of members from the opposition’s Azimio la Umoja.
It is the first time a woman has been appointed Minority leader at the Assembly, since the advent of the 2010 Constitution.
Ms Waithera stressed that the promises the ruling party made to Nairobi residents had not been achieved one year after the leaders assumed office. She attributed the move to what she described as ‘compromised leadership’ that had been ousted, led by Waithaka Ward Member Antony Kiragu Karanja who was the Minority leader, and Mark Mugambi of Umoja One who served as the Minority Whip.
“It is sad the previous leadership of our party only pursued their personal agenda instead of offering necessary support in the form of both criticism and legislative support,” Ms Waithera claimed.
She also stated that in the last year, there has been an unclear separation of powers, which must be reversed for the residents to see the change that they desired.
“For the past year, we’ve performed dismally. Apart from the budget-related bills, and planning documents we’ve nothing else to show. Our committees are no longer active as they should be.”
Also, the MCA stated that there is a disconnect from the office of Governor Johnson Sakaja when it comes to the implementation of priorities.
“Our people have already told us what they want the government to address. This includes an end to traffic congestion, collection of garbage, repair of almost impassable roads, settlement of genuine pending bills, a stable supply of clean water, and an improved environment. Unfortunately, this is not what the Executive is implementing.”
Minority Whip Ms Joyce vowed that she will be up to the task when it comes to service delivery and that she will ensure each party member in the Assembly is treated equally without any discrimination.
Joyce said that the ousted leadership was ready to promote the interests of the party and the residents.
“We are called upon to serve all members regardless of party affiliation. I assure all members of our dedication to their interests…I want to call upon the Speaker to play his part and ensure that the communication is formalized by conveying to the plenary as soon as possible,” Joyce said.
Also read: Mathare man in court for ‘vandalism of metal posts at police station’