Machakos MCA calls for truce between Governor Ndeti and county assembly to end political stalemate

Kalama MCA Bonface Maeke addressing the public at a past event./GEORGE OWITI

A Machakos Member of County Assembly has called for a truce between the executive and the County Assembly, citing disruption of public service delivery.

Kalama Ward MCA Bonface Maeke urged both sides to seek an amicable resolution to the ongoing standoff, which he said has paralyzed operations in the county.

“Governor Wavinya Ndeti should steer clear of the Assembly’s affairs and focus on her mandate as the county’s CEO. Her involvement in House matters has divided the Assembly and led to its indefinite suspension,” Maeke told The Star on Friday.

Maeke said the continued infighting among MCAs, coupled with alleged interference from the executive, was hurting residents the most.

He noted that the Assembly was unable to fulfill its constitutional duties, including oversight of the executive.

He accused the governor of influencing a recent attempt by a faction of MCAs to impeach Speaker Anne Kiusya—an allegation Governor Ndeti has strongly denied.

The Assembly has been sharply divided between members backing Speaker Kiusya and those perceived to be aligned with Governor Ndeti and her political ideology.

Speaking during a burial in Machakos on April 16, Governor Ndeti called for accountability within the Assembly. However, she distanced herself from the internal wrangles, stating her office had no involvement in the disputes.

“These are internal matters that should be resolved internally. The executive is not part of the Assembly's disagreements,” she said.

The Assembly has remained inactive since April 8, when Speaker Kiusya suspended both plenary and committee sittings following a physical altercation among MCAs in her chambers.

A notice signed by the Speaker cited security concerns for herself, members, and staff.

“The Assembly was scheduled to resume on April 8 after a short recess. However, the Speaker was barred by members from presiding over both the morning and afternoon sessions, posing a serious threat to her security,” the notice reads.

That plenary and committee sittings are suspended until the safety of the Speaker, Members, and staff is assured.

That all official member travel, both domestic and international, is suspended.

Further directions will be issued on the resumption of sittings.”

Maeke said the suspension has not only stalled the Assembly’s legislative work but also affected operations within the executive.

“For how long will the Assembly and the executive keep playing the blame game? Time is slipping away. We must resolve the deadlock and return to our constitutional duties,” he said.

He claimed the standoff had delayed payments to contractors, some of whom had closed operations due to financial strain.

Maeke also alleged that some county executives were idle and had not initiated necessary procurements in support of their dockets.

“We need to get back to the House and continue with our oversight role. Some CECMs only act when we raise the alarm,” he added.

The standoff continues as residents and stakeholders await a resolution to restore normalcy in county operations.