Nyamira County is grappling with a constitutional crisis as two factions within its County Assembly vie for legitimacy, raising concerns about the legality of their operations. The unfolding drama has placed increasing pressure on President William Ruto to intervene, with many calling for the dissolution of the assembly altogether.
The conflict began a month ago when 23 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) voted to oust Speaker Enock Okeru, accusing him of incompetence. Since then, the situation has escalated, with both factions now operating as separate legislative bodies, each led by its own Speaker and Clerk. Both factions are holding separate sessions and submitting distinct funding requests, raising alarms among officials and citizens about the legality of their actions and the potential misuse of public resources.
Last week, the disorder reached a new peak when the two factions convened separate meetings, each claiming legitimacy. One session occurred at the Manga trading centre in Kitutu Masaba, where Speaker Okeru and his appointed interim clerk presided over a gathering. The meeting room was set up to resemble a formal debating chamber, complete with a symbolic “mace” and orderlies in full uniform.
Meanwhile, at the officially designated chambers in Nyamira town, some 7 km away, the opposing faction, led by Deputy Speaker Thadious Nyabaro, conducted its own meeting, asserting its legitimacy. This division has cast a long shadow over the country’s governance and further deepened the crisis.
Efforts by the Senate to mediate between the factions failed. During a session of the Senate Devolution Committee on April 8, tensions flared when Senators Okongo Omogeni (Nyamira) and Richard Onyonka (Kisii) nearly came to blows during a passionate debate. The failed mediation has heightened concerns among citizens and political leaders.
Margaret Nyakang’o, the Controller of Budget, revealed that her office had received funding requests from both factions, but she was uncertain which request to prioritize. Nyakang’o explained that her office deals exclusively with the County Executive and does not engage directly with the County Assembly, making the situation even more complex.
Given the ongoing turmoil, there are growing calls for President Ruto to intervene. Under the constitution, the President has the authority to suspend a county government during emergencies, including internal conflicts. A petition can be submitted to the President for the suspension of a county government if it is seen as acting against the collective interests of its citizens. Such a petition must be endorsed by at least 10% of the county’s registered voters. Once submitted, the President is required to present a report detailing the allegations and justifications for the proposed suspension to the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee for approval within 14 days.
With the county assembly effectively paralysed by its internal divisions, the stakes are high for the people of Nyamira. The question now is whether the President will step in to resolve the crisis or whether the impasse will continue to disrupt governance in the region.
