Machakos County Assembly members have announced their decision to resume committee sittings on Friday, May 23, 2025, defying Speaker Ann Kiusya’s directive to suspend them indefinitely.
Addressing the media on Thursday, County Assembly Majority Leader Nicholas Nzioka stated that after reviewing Standing Order 161, which grants the Clerk, not the Speaker, the authority to convene committee meetings, the MCAs resolved to reconvene.
“The notice for a select committee meeting should come from the Clerk, not the Speaker. Her indefinite suspension of proceedings, citing security concerns, exceeds her authority,” said Nzioka, who also represents Machakos Central Ward.
He emphasised that all 59 MCAs would return to the Assembly chambers to address pressing committee matters that cannot be postponed.
“We will ensure compliance with legal proceedings by steering clear of discussions on the Speaker’s impeachment or any issues currently before the court,” he added. “I urge all committee chairpersons to promptly inform the Clerk’s office of their intent to hold meetings.”
Speaker Kiusya had suspended all Assembly sessions last month following violent clashes that left two MCAs injured. The chaos erupted amid tensions surrounding an impeachment motion against her, proceedings now halted by the High Court.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Senate has summoned Speaker Kiusya, the MCAs, and the Clerk to appear before it on Tuesday next week to seek a resolution.
The Assembly has remained shut for six weeks, paralysing legislative service delivery to residents.
A faction of MCAs is now demanding accountability from Speaker Kiusya, accusing her of incompetence and financial mismanagement. They have vowed to present their grievances before the Senate’s Devolution Committee on Tuesday, June 30.
Additionally, the MCAs have expressed frustration over what they describe as a breakdown in communication. They claim they were excluded from a recent State House meeting for Kamba leaders hosted by President William Ruto, alleging that the Speaker failed to coordinate their representation.
