Senate Devolution Committee recommends immediate resumption of Machakos county assembly business after prolonged suspension

Senate Devolution Committee recommends immediate resumption of Machakos county assembly business after prolonged suspension

Tuesday 27th May 30, 2025
Mini Chamber, Parliament Buildings

The Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations has issued firm recommendations calling for the immediate resumption of Machakos County Assembly business, following months of disruption caused by leadership wrangles, physical confrontations, and alleged procedural violations. 

The meeting, chaired by Senator Mohamed Abass Sheikh, brought together Assembly leadership, the Speaker, and committee members in a tense but constructive dialogue aimed at restoring order and accountability.

Senator Catherine Mumma, the Vice Chair of the committee, outlined the resolutions made after extensive deliberations. "As indicated to you, and we've made some recommendations, these take into account the conversation we've had and the confirmation by both sides that you all desire to get business going in the County Assembly of Machakos," she stated.

Key among the committee's resolutions was the finding that the suspension of the Assembly's plenary sittings, initiated by the Speaker, amounted to an illegal alteration of the Assembly's calendar. This, they said, violated Standing Order 25 of the Machakos County Assembly Standing Orders, which requires a resolution of the Assembly.

The committee resolved that, now that security challenges have reportedly been addressed, the Assembly should resume sittings in line with its approved calendar. The Speaker and leadership were directed to convene a special sitting within seven days to consider a motion to alter the calendar and resume plenary sessions.

The suspension, the committee noted, had affected key legislative matters including the supplementary budget for the financial year 2024/2025, the 2025/2026 budget estimates, and the Machakos County Valuation Roll. These items are bound by statutory timelines, with the Valuation Roll's 60-day approval deadline set to lapse on June 6, 2025.

"We recommend that the County Assembly convene immediately in accordance with the standing orders relating to the convening of special sittings to consider pending legislative business," the committee declared.

On the issue of physical confrontations among members, the committee strongly condemned such behavior, terming it a violation of Chapter 6 of the Constitution on leadership and integrity. They urged all MCAs to uphold decorum and the rule of law.

Addressing the withholding of funds to the Assembly, the committee directed the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance to release funds immediately, terming the withholding as unjustified and without legal basis. They added that the County Assembly Service Board had no mandate to interfere with House business or the Assembly calendar.

Senator Abass Sheikh emphasized unity and leadership maturity. "With your goodwill, I think Machakos Assembly will resume as soon as possible. I request the House Leadership and the Speaker to meet again and have a dialogue on how best we can drive this House forward," he said. He also assured that the committee would visit the Assembly for follow-up and would summon the Governor and CECM Finance if needed.

The Majority Leader of the Machakos County Assembly thanked the Senate committee and expressed willingness for unconditional dialogue. "We're in leadership because members elected us. They can also remove us. So we must respect the leadership they've placed and allow internal mechanisms to work," he said.

The Minority Leader expressed optimism. "We are not going home empty-handed. A long journey begins with a single step. We are now heading in the right direction," he said, promising to implement the committee's resolutions.

Senator Richard Onyonka offered personal advice to the Speaker: "You are probably the first woman to hold this office. The expectations are higher. Please do your job with excellence. Be the mother of the House and allow these members to vent."

Senator Agnes Kavindu echoed the call for unity: "You are leaders. If you cannot agree, what happens to the electorate? Let Machakos be a role model to other Assemblies."

Senator Hezena Lemaletian urged restraint and focus on service delivery: "Leadership is about patience and building bridges. You were elected to deliver, not to fight each other."

Senator Peris Tobiko added, "Let this be a turning point. Dialogue is not weakness. It is wisdom. Your people are watching."

Senator Karungo Thangwa emphasized collaboration: "When leaders fight, the people suffer. Unity will unlock stalled services. The Assembly must work together for the people of Machakos."

In conclusion, the committee committed to continued oversight and support to ensure the Assembly resumes its work effectively and restores confidence among the people of Machakos.