By Wuon Kalam
Migori county assembly has adjourned until February 9 to call off a session marred with violence, division and several senior members over corruption.
Speaker Boaz Okoth, fresh from facing corruption and abuse of office charges in court adjourned the house on December and acknowledge the challenges faced.
He insisted that they have done “admirable work” in terms of passing Bills and Acts despite challenges.
“The sessions was marred with lots of challenges like Covid 19and other external forces, bringing political unrest within the assembly,” Okoth said.
MCAs have faced major criticism on their lack of oversight and going to bed with governor Okoth Obado On Monday, the criticism came full circle as youths bayed for the blood of God Jope MCA Leo Ogwada and threatened to beat him up for undermining oversight of the executive.
South Sakwa MCA and Majority Leader Ken Ngoro defended the house, saying “you can only talk about the assembly when you sit in the house, when you are out leave it alone. Those who have stolen public money will face the law.”
This was during the funeral of George Odede, former Awendo constituency ODM chairman at Rinya village.
First, assembly faced violence where seven members are facing court charges over chaos caused by impeachment of governor Okoth Obado where nominated MCA Mary Ogodo’s arm was broken.
This is after ODM sponsored impeachment bill against governor Okoth Obado flopped and failed to kick off completely.
Then Boaz, his Deputy Mathews Chacha and 11 other suspects were charged before Kisumu Law Courts Chief Magistrate Peter Gesore where they denied 11 counts relating to graft allegations.
The charges included including conspiracy to commit an offense of corruption, fraudulent acquisition of public property, failure to comply with procurement laws, management of public funds, and abuse of office.
Other charged were Migori county assembly service board – Roland Asiga (Wasimbete MCA), Nicholas Rioba (Tagare MCA and Minority Leader ), Clifford Jobando and Meressa Akello.
But the speaker has said once house resume they will be ready to pass BBI Bill.
He said here are some of milestones they have achieved:
POLICIES:
- Education Support Policy
BILLS :- At Committee Stage Include:
- Environmental Health Bill, 2019
- Migori County Sustainable Solid Waste Management, 2019
- Sweet Potato and Processing Plant Bill, 2020
ACTS:
- Migori Health Services Act
- Transport and Safety Act
- Law enforcement, Inspectorate Unit Act
- Sand Harvesting and Quarrying Act
- Agricultural Training Centre Act
