MCAs deploy tricks in push for perks and contracts

County representatives have become a headache for governors.

The Members of County Assemblies, who are a breed of powerful men and women put in place by the Constitution, are causing jitters.

This is following the pressure they have mounted to be granted monies for foreign trips, car loans, mortgages, contracts and the authority to control large sums in development funds.

Embu, Kericho, Kisumu, Kakamega and Vihiga governors among others, are facing the wrath of MCAs who threaten them with impeachment if their demands are not met.

In Embu, MCAs successfully voted in favour of a motion to impeach Mr Martin Nyaga Wambora.

This went on despite a court order barring them from debating it.

In Kericho, Prof Paul Chepkwony was sent packing following claims that he refused to delegate management of bursaries.

Baringo’s Benjamin Cheboi was compelled to award car grants to the county representatives to avert a looming ejection from office.

Vihiga MCAs are currently on a trip to Israel in what a confidential communication from the office of the governor said is meant to make relationships with the Assembly members smooth.

In Kisumu, the MCAs want the executive to roll out a ward development fund for them to run saying that CDF is not effective.

This scenario has left governors suffering in silence as they are arm-twisted to provide avenues through which MCAs benefit at the expense of the public.

But the county reps hold a different opinion on the claims saying they are equally important as any other arm of the devolved government.

Mr Jacktone Onunga, Nyalenda MCA, Kisumu, said the fruits of devolution are not only on the checks and balances over governors’ excesses but also more gains for the people and the ward reps.