Azimio la Umoja coalition's move to give UDA MCAs leadership of some committees has kicked off a positive working relationship at the Nairobi county assembly.
In a surprising move, Azimio left four other committees to the President William Ruto-led UDA.
Agriculture committee will be chaired by Kasarani MCA Antony Ngaruiya, Kawangware MCA Fred Njogu(ICT), Githurai MCA Deonysias Waithira - (Trade) and Dandora I ward rep Allan Maina(Labour).
PAC will be chaired by Ngara MCA Chege Mwaura, PIC by California MCA Hashim Kamau and Implementation by minority leader Antony Kiragu.
Speaking to the Star, majority leader Peter Imwatok said that the decision was a sign of good faith and cordial working relationship with the opposition.
"Azimio is the majority and that’s a fact but we did it out of good faith. This leadership is not based in pettiness but on what should be done to offer the best services to Nairobi residents,” he said on Tuesday.
Imwatok also rubbished claims that the ODM leader had directed the assembly leadership to give up at least four committees to UDA.
“People should understand that Raila does not get involved in small affairs like assembly committees. This was a sober decision made by the House leadership in the spirit of siasa safi," he said.
Imwatok explained that Governor Johnson Sakaja reached out to the assembly leadership of both Azimio and Kenya Kwanza and an agreement was brought to the table.
“We held a meeting with the governor and a deal was arrived at and as Azimo we agreed that we give UDA some committees,” he said.
The Makongeni MCA said that the assembly had balanced its leadership where all parties have been represented.
“The house is fully represented and our first business will be to vet the governor’s cabinet nominees,” Imwatok said.
The Raila Odinga-led coalition emerged as the majority at the assembly with 67 MCAs while Kenya Kwanza has 53 MCAs and three are independent.
While Utawala ward will be holding its elections next month.
With Azimio being the majority, this meant that it will chair all committees except the Public Accounts Committee, Public Investment Committee and Implementation, which goes to the minority side of the house.
Nairobi county assembly has around 23 committees inclusive of the House Business Committee which is chaired by the speaker.
