Chaos rocked the Meru County Assembly after MCAs walked out on governor Kawira Mwangaza during her inaugural address of the House.
Police were forced to lob teargas canisters as supporters of Governor Mwangaza and the MCAs hurled stones at each other.
Chaos erupted as MCAs and the Sergeant at Arms struggled to bar the governor's hangers-on from entering the assembly.
When the governor entered the chamber, the MCAs walked out in protest.
Addressing journalists before calm resumed, Speaker Ayub Bundi said Ms Mwangaza had ignored procedure in entering the House.
“The governor should have paid a courtesy call to the clerk and the Speaker before addressing the assembly. Procedure requires that we walk in accompanied by the mace. However, we were shocked to see her storming in,” Mr Bundi said.
Later, the House resumed but when the governor took the podium, again all MCAs walked out in protest leaving the Speaker and three clerks.
Addressing the public after the walk out, Ms Mwangaza who was elected on an independent ticket said she would not be intimidated by anyone.
“I have done my part to come to the assembly but they walked out on me. I will not be cowed by MCAs who want underhand deals instead of working for the mwananchi. I’m out to fight cartels that continue to pilfer county resources," she said.
However, Mr Bundi said MCAs have been looking for the governor to agree on how they would run the county and execute development.
“MCAs are elected and have a right to seek audience with the governor. They look for her on behalf of the electorate and not for personal gain,” Mr Bundi said.
“The governor doesn't respect anyone. You cannot enter the assembly like a thug. This is a house of procedure. We believe that she is not of sound mind and when time is ripe, we will have to impeach her,” Mr Mawira said.
Former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi’s Devolution Empowerment Party and UDA enjoy the highest number of MCAs in the Meru assembly.
Mr Murungi and Agriculture Cabinet Secretary nominee Mithika Linturi lost to Ms Mwangaza in the August 9 General Election.
