By GASTONE VALUSI
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has criticized County Assembly Speaker Anne Kiusya for derailing the enactment of a law to operationalize the Youth and Women Special Fund, popularly known as the ‘Wikwatyo’ Fund.
Speaker Kiusya on Tuesday postponed debate on the motion, which had already been listed in the order paper, by adjourning the Assembly’s sittings.
In response, Governor Wavinya held a press briefing at her office, describing the Speaker’s action as “senseless and irresponsible.”
“The decision to adjourn the Assembly before passing the Wikwatyo Fund bill was an act of irresponsibility and senselessness. What will you tell the youths and women whose dreams you have silenced? I urge the county assembly to reconvene and pass the Wikwatyo Fund bill,” the Governor said.
She also condemned the adjournment as a waste of public funds, noting that the motion will have to be gazetted again and MCAs will receive allowances for the subsequent sitting.
Governor Wavinya regretted that the youth and women, who were expecting funds in January, will now face delays.
Several MCAs at the briefing described the postponement as unprocedural.
“According to standing orders, only a resolution of members can defer business. This did not happen. It is unfortunate,” said Ekalakala MCA Stephen Mwanthi, who is also Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.
County Assembly Majority Leader Nicholas Nzioka Wangondi echoed the criticism.
“We had four agendas today, but the Speaker purported to use her discretion to defer two items on the order paper.
She has no such powers and did not cite any standing order while deferring the business of the day,” Wangondi said.
Also postponed was a motion on the County Annual Development Plan, which may affect the passing of the budget, as it must adhere to strict timelines.
During the morning session, the Speaker presided over the swearing-in of newly elected Mumbuni North MCA Hon. Antony Kisoi.
