Embu MCAs in Suspected Go-Slow Abscond Assembly Sittings

By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

A spot-check at the Assembly revealed that the few Ward Reps who show up during sitting days intentionally keep off the debating chambers and instead opt to while away time at the Member’s lounge.

On the other hand, several other MCAs also show up casually dressed in jeans and t-shirts instead of suits and ties as per parliamentary requirements in order to avoid attending the plenary sittings at the August House.

The go-slow by MCAs has also led to lethargy by legislative staff who have been adamant to schedule legislative business on the Order Papers. Several Order Papers for previous sittings have been blank, leaving the few MCAs attending plenary sittings to enter the House and leave immediately without transacting any business.

Committee meetings have also been hard hit by the quorum hitches, with Member’s failing to show up to deliberate on matters requiring their attention, leaving Embu County residents with a serious representation gap.

A source who did not wish to be quoted intimated to the press that despite absconding the plenary and committee sittings, the absentee MCAs always conspire to have attendance registers signed to draw sitting allowances.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that the MCAs who have unofficially started campaigns to defend their seats in the August 2027 General Election are now opting to accompany senior politicians in the county during development project launching and commissioning ceremonies.

However, Deputy Speaker Ibrahim Swaleh was quick to downplay allegations of his counterparts being in a go-slow, saying quorum hitches are normal in the parliamentary setup.

Swaleh who is also the MCA for Kirimari ward nonetheless cautioned MCAs that the public was keenly watching their conduct, and therefore should always uphold integrity and avoid truancy.