Reprieve for Alai as court bars Nairobi Assembly from reconstituting committees
The High Court has stopped the County Assembly of Nairobi from changing two house committees following an application filed by Utawala Member of County Assembly (MCA) Patrick Karani.
Justice Chacha Mwita’s conservatory order means the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Water Committee members will remain until the matter is heard and determined.
House Speaker Kennedy Ng’ondi had earlier disbanded the two committees with the intent to realign them.
Some members questioned the moves, however, terming them unprocedural.
Kileleshwa MCA Mr Robert Alai, who doubles up as a controversial blogger, was among those affected by the initial changes in the PAC committee claimed the Speaker was “punishing him for speaking the truth to power”.
In the case filed by Mr Karani, the Speaker and the county Assembly have been listed as respondents, and will be expected to file their responses within seven days.
Also, the court asked the petitioner to file a supplementary affidavit if needed, alongside written submissions not exceeding ten pages within seven days, and the submissions will be highlighted on June 26, 2024.
“This order seeks to maintain the status quo until the substantive issues raised in the petition are heard and determined. The Honourable Court has expressed its dedication to ensuring that all parties are given a fair chance to present their cases within the stipulated timelines,” Alai said after the ruling.
Additionally, the High Court issued a penal notice warning that any person served with or notified of this order must comply with the terms of the order, failure to which might result in being cited for contempt of court.
While protesting his removal from the Water Committee, Ngei Ward MCA Redson Onyango Otieno also blamed the Speaker for acting without being given a chance to defend himself.
Mr Onyango suggested the move to remove him from the committee could be linked to bribery reports.
Alai and Onyango, who were both elected on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party ticket, have since reached out to ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna seeking his attention to the matter.
Also read: Radio presenter Shatta Bway explains why he will not marry again
We are Unbwoggable! Orengo responds to EACC over Siaya County investigations