Kenya: Taita Taveta MCAs Oust Majority Leader, Say He Failed in His Work

Taita Taveta County Assembly MCAs have removed Majority Leader Jason Tuja and replaced him with Rong'e Ward Rep Harris Keke.

In a session conducted at the assembly's chambers on Tuesday, Speaker Meshack Maghanga communicated to the members that the majority side had effected changes in their House leadership.

The clerk of the assembly received a notice from 18 MCAs affiliated to the Nasa coalition indicating the changes to eject Mr Tuja from office, accusing him of failing to show leadership in the House.

Two ward representatives from the majority side refused to support the ouster.

BUDGET DISAGREEMENTS

The changes come in the wake of fierce exchanges between Mr Tuja and his colleagues following disagreements on the recently approved 2020/2021 county budget.

The ousted majority leader had opposed the passing of the budget claiming that due process was not followed before it was approved by the assembly.

"We did not have time to scrutinise the document. That is why I protested because we were not given time to go through it," he said.

The Werugha MCA also accused a section of the House leadership of being micromanaged by the executive, further claiming that the governor is interfering with the oversight function of the assembly.

Last week, Governor Granton Samboja and a section of MCAs pledged to work together.

STUMBLING BLOCK

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Sources say Mr Tuja was being viewed as a stumbling block by the Samboja administration.

Mr Tuja, who did not protest his removal, said it was influenced by outside forces.

"I will continue with my role and I will not stop championing for citizens' interests. I discharged my duties diligently and I leave this position a proud man," he said.

Mr Keke will now be deputised by Kasigau MCA Abraham Juma.

In the new changes, Mbololo MCA Godfrey Mwambi was picked as the new majority whip while nominated MCA Joyce Mwangoji will be his deputy.

Mr Keke said he looks forward to working closely with the executive to ensure that residents get development.

"We are working towards the same goal. We were elected by residents to represent them to ensure they get development. How do we achieve this if we keep on fighting?" he said.