By Eastern Newspaper Correspondent
The Jubilee Party, which is the majority party in the County Assembly of Tharaka Nithi, changed its house leadership replacing its Majority Leader, the Chief Whip, and their deputies.
The move came after a court order by the ousted members was lifted and the matter referred to the party tribunal.
In his communication, House Speaker David John Mbaya said despite receiving two lists as to which of the factions were legitimate, each tendered by members of the opposing camps, the Jubilee secretariat, which is mandated to handle such issues, had written to the Assembly confirming Ganga MCA Peterson Mwirigi as the new Majority leader deputized by nominated MCA Assumpta Mukwanjeru.
Karingani MCA Godfrey Murithi Gaturo and Mitheru Ward MCA Charles Nyaga previously held the posts.
The move saw Igambang’ombe MCA Njeri Kigwari coming in as Party Whip and deputized by nominated MCA Samwel Karangi who retained his position. Kigwari stepped into the shoes of Chogoria Ward MCA Margaret Gitari.
Responding to allegations by Gaturo that the move to present the list to the Assembly was illegal, the Speaker said that he was guided by the same law the complainants should use to seek redress.
“I am doing it following our standing orders and the law and once I do it there are many avenues you can explore your complain if you so wish”
This comes as the Assembly went for a 30-day recess in keeping in line with guidelines by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines against the spread of Coronavirus.
Chogoria Ward MCA Margaret Gitari led the house in moving a motion compelling the County Government through the Ministry of Health and other relevant authorities to provide free treatment to Coronavirus patients, continually sensitize the populace as well as ensure running water, soap, sanitizers and other paraphernalia needed to curb the spread of the virus are provided in all public spaces in a motion that received unanimous support from members.
Consequently, in a motion moved by Marimanti MCA Susan Ngugi Nduyo, and handling of messages and critical business, the Speaker shall cause the message to be transmitted to every member and it will either be dealt with forthwith or the Speaker may appoint a day for the consideration of such or referred to the relevant committee.
The Assembly also, in a split of the vote, approved the County Fiscal Strategy Paper for the Financial Year 2020/2021 giving the Executive the go-ahead to prepare the budget.
