Last week, the MP told the assembly to surrender more than Ksh. 800 million that was allocated for the construction of the Speaker’s residence and the new assembly chambers, to the executive for development programmes. But in a quick rejoinder, a section of MCAs led by East Asembo MCA Gordon Onguru told the lawmaker to keep off the county affairs
What started off as a mere political misunderstanding between Alego-Usonga MP Samuel Atandi and Siaya County Assembly Speaker George Okode has taken a nasty turn as the two go for each other’s throats. The bone of contention is the MP’s claim that the Speaker is corrupt and should be removed from office, accusing him of being behind the general poor development record in Siaya County.
According to those who are privy to this political war, Mr Atandi who is a close ally to immediate former Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga is said to have dismissed an audit report prepared by a task force on the county’s financial operations saying the current management under governor James Orengo is on a witch-hunt against the former Governor, leaving the real culprits like Speaker Okode.
Mr Atandi on dismissing the report faulted the Siaya County Assembly for what he termed overhauling the executive’s budget instead of proposing adjustments within the one percent limit set in PMFA Regulations 2015. “The Speaker and the county assembly must allow the governor to make the budget that resonates with the needs of the people and not for the selfish interests of the assembly,” he added.
Last week, the MP told the assembly to surrender more than Ksh. 800 million that was allocated for the construction of the Speaker’s residence and the new assembly chambers, to the executive for development programmes. But in a quick rejoinder, a section of MCAs led by East Asembo MCA Gordon Onguru told the lawmaker to keep off the county affairs. The MCAs now claim that Mr Atandi has been fanning hostility between the assembly members and the executive for his political benefit.,
Okode, who sources say fell out with Atandi during the campaigns while supporting Atandi’s opponents, has vowed not to let the MP incite the MCAs against him. Atandi is also accused of lobbying for Okode’s opponent during the election of the county assembly speaker.
The Speaker accused the MP of seeking political relevance. It’s now a matter of waiting and seeing what happens in the coming days if the ODM party leader Hon Raila Odinga will use his influence in the county to stop the bad relationship row between the county Assembly speaker and the fiery Alego Usonga MP.
