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Tension is brewing in the Kitui County Assembly as Speaker Kinengo faces mounting criticism from Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) over what they describe as an oppressive and self-serving leadership style. Several MCAs have accused the speaker of silencing their voices, disregarding standing orders, and making unilateral decisions that favor his inner circle at the expense of the people of Kitui.
One of the MCAs, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that Speaker Kinengo has consistently shut down debates that do not align with his interests by arbitrarily switching off members’ microphones. “We are elected to represent the people, but Speaker Kinengo is making it impossible for us to contribute to projects that would benefit Kitui residents. If he doesn’t like what you are saying, he simply turns off your microphone,” the MCA lamented.
The embattled speaker has also been accused of flouting standing orders and other rules that govern county assemblies. Instead of upholding the principles of democracy and fairness, he allegedly rules in a manner that serves his personal interests and those of his close associates. Several MCAs claim that Kinengo has been using his position to settle political scores and suppress dissenting voices, making the county assembly more of a dictatorship than a legislative body.
Furthermore, the speaker has come under fire for allegedly manipulating official county trips and benchmarking exercises. Approved MCAs, who are meant to go on these trips for learning and capacity building, are reportedly being blocked from attending. Instead, Kinengo is accused of handpicking his close allies to take part in these activities, including county-sponsored games and benchmarking missions. “Some MCAs were fully approved to go for benchmarking trips, but the speaker overturned the decision and replaced them with his buddies. This is pure impunity,” another MCA revealed.
Kinengo’s leadership style, which has been described as chest-thumping and dictatorial, is now threatening to cripple the operations of the Kitui County Assembly. Many MCAs are calling for urgent intervention, with some even considering a motion of no confidence against him.
The people of Kitui, who rely on the county assembly for representation and development initiatives, are now left wondering whether their elected leaders will be able to push through meaningful projects under such a stifling environment. As frustrations grow, all eyes are on the MCAs to see whether they will take decisive action to restore order and democracy in the county assembly.
The big question remains: Will Speaker Kinengo change his ways, or will the county assembly take action to reclaim its authority and independence?
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