- Deputy Speaker Eric Bett could not, however, confirm this only saying he was aware the trip had been aborted.
- The letter informing the MCAs of the planned meeting is dated January 17 and signed by UDA secretary general Veronica Maina.
Image: Courtsey
Sixteen ward representatives from the Kericho county assembly have been blocked from travelling to the United Arab Emirates.
The MCAs are said to have been barred at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Tuesday evening from boarding their flight to Dubai for a 10-day trip.
Multiple sources who spoke to the Star said they were turned back after a letter emerged from the party summoning them for a meeting with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday.
Deputy Speaker Eric Bett could not, however, confirm this only saying he was aware the trip had been aborted.
“This is a trip that was planned long ago but has been cancelled. Regarding what happened at the airport last evening I cannot confirm because I was not part of the team,” he said.
The letter informing the MCAs of the planned meeting is dated January 17 and signed by UDA secretary general Veronica Maina.
“Please stand advised accordingly,” Maina said.
“Kindly note that the UDA Kericho MCAs’ meeting that was scheduled for Wednesday has been rescheduled for January 19 at 8 am promptly. The meeting will be convened by the DP at his Harambee office,” it reads.
The summons comes just a few days after President William Ruto publicly reprimanded the MCAs over leadership wrangles that have threatened to derail development in the county.
“Kericho MCAs must stop the nonsense. Shame on you! The people of Kenya voted for us to implement development projects and not to fight over positions,” Ruto said during an event in Bomet.
They had been captured in widely circulated video fighting after disagreeing over House leadership.
The list of the MCAs in the aborted trip includes; Gilbert Ngetich (Kisiara), Mathew Korir ( Chaik), Albert Kipkoech (Soliat), Dr Naaman Rop ( Soin), Simon Koskei (Kunyak), Anthony Ruto ( Kipkelion), Hezron Ngetich (Chilchila), Paul Bii (Kapsaos), Philip Mutai ( Kipchimchim), Cheruiyot Bett ( Ainamoi).
David Maritim (Chepseon), Richard Langat (Kedowa/Kimugul), Moses Rotich (Tendeno), Gladys Chesang (Nominated), Monica Chelangat (Nominated) and Vincent MarkToo ( Nominated).
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei is on record stating that all state officers including MCAs must adhere to austerity measures set by President Ruto that includes scaling down foreign travels.