Chaos as Nairobi MCAs come to near blows at KICC

Tensions on Wednesday boiled over at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) as a heated confrontation among Nairobi MCAs turned physical.

The disagreement stemmed from frustrations over leadership within the Nairobi County Assembly, with several MCAs accusing Majority Leader Peter Imwatok of silencing their voices on critical issues.

Some members demanded better representation and accountability, claiming that they were being blocked from addressing key concerns affecting their constituents.

What started as a verbal exchange quickly escalated into physical confrontations, forcing security personnel to intervene, with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna calling out Imwatok, who is also an ODM member.

The MCAs have been locked in a tussle with the Salaries and Renumeration Commission (SRC) over their incessant calls for salary increments.

The ward representatives are demanding to have their salaries tripled and the allocation of a ward development fund.

Beyond financial demands, MCAs are also advocating for the full legal anchoring of ward development funds, arguing that this will enhance service delivery.

However, public reaction has been largely critical, with many Kenyans being of the view that the MCAs demands are unrealistic.

Mustafa Abdirashid, Garissa County Assembly Deputy Speaker, said: “The county assemblies suffer because we’ve got nothing to offer to our electorates…sisi kazi yetu ni kuenda kuomba Governor na MP… we’ve been agitating for ward development fund, na mpaka sai I don’t know why this has not been achieved.”

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, who was also present, said: “This is the only position where, when mama mboga wakes up, they go to the MCAs house…because ako karibu na wao....so from wherever I sit, MCAs need to be supported to do their jobs.”

Despite the dramatic events at KICC, the County Assemblies Forum has reaffirmed its commitment to defending devolution and advocating for fair budget allocations.

The MCAs are now calling on the Senate and the Head of State to intervene and address their grievances.