Migori MCA injured after Obado supporters storm assembly

The Migori Assembly was a chaotic scene on Wednesday after MCAs allied to Governor Okoth Obado stormed the morning sitting and ejected North Kanyamkago MCA George Omamba from the Speaker’s seat amid growing tension ahead of an anticipated impeachment bid against the county boss.

Mr Omamba was ousted in May last year from the position of Deputy Speaker over “gross indiscipline and arrogance” after he questioned financial dealings at the assembly and the executive. 

On Monday, he had moved to court and obtained an order reinstating him to the seat.

Wednesday’s morning session was running smoothly before five MCAs stormed the proceedings in protest, throwing out Mr Omamba and carting away the Speaker’s chair while accusing him of insubordination.

“You cannot take over the Speaker’s role. We are the same people who shoved you out due to your arrogance and we have not given nod. Leave that seat or we forcefully eject you,” shouted Kaler MCA Thomas Akungo before snatching the Speaker’s chair away.

Nominated MCA Mary Ogodo sustained a broken arm during the scuffle that followed and was rushed to St Joseph's Mission Hospital.

Ms Ogodo and Mr Akungo fought over the Speaker’s chair which the latter was dragging away before she sustained the injury.

“He has broken my arm,” she cried as colleagues rushed her to hospital.

The ensuing melee also saw Ms Grace Oyamo, another nominated MCA, wrestled to the ground by God Jope MCA Mr Leo Lot.

The pro-Obado MCAs led by Mr Akungo had walked into the plenary and disrupted the session chaired by Mr Omamba.

The five were hiding in an office occupied by Mr Obado’s relative before they made their way into the assembly and started causing chaos, an assembly staffer told the Nation.

Tension has been brewing at the assembly ahead of the looming impeachment motion against the county boss.

On Tuesday, some MCAs held a Kamukunji over simmering internal wrangles amongst them.

The fight also revolves around the legality of the assembly leadership with a push by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to change various office holders deemed to be Obado allies who could frustrate the impeachment bid.

Migori Speaker Boaz Okoth, who is said to be ailing, had kept off the assembly.

Earlier this month, he said his security was withdrawn and that his home was attacked. 

He has twice alleged threats to his life, and also claimed he was attacked at a Kisumu hotel by goons allegedly linked to ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna.

Leadership changes

The chaos on Wednesday happened amid reports that ODM was mulling changes to the top leadership of the Migori County Assembly in readiness for Obado's impeachment.

The strategy is set to clear any obstacles the MCAs may face in the ouster motion.

According to a source privy to the plan, there is a general feeling that Speaker Okoth may not cooperate when the motion is tabled.

This is despite numerous assurances that he will carry out his mandate when the motion is brought before him.

In a past interview, Mr Okoth had distanced himself from claims that he was a stumbling block to the plan by MCAs affiliated with ODM.

“I have always repeated that my mandate as Speaker is clear. I will preside over the motion once a member of the county assembly tables it which has not been done. I cannot go against the wishes of MCAs when they decide to impeach the governor,” said Mr Okoth.

For a record eight times, the assembly has adjourned the sittings, putting the highly anticipated ouster motion in limbo.