Drama in Nairobi County Assembly as MCA Swears by Raila

A collage of Azimio leader Raila Odinga and the Nairobi County Assembly.jpg
A collage of Azimio leader Raila Odinga and the Nairobi County Assembly.
Kenyans.co.ke

The swearing-in ceremony of Nairobi County Members of County Assembly (MCAs) was briefly disrupted after a nominated ward representative Joyce Jamosa swore by Azimio leader Raila Odinga.

While reading out a pre-written oath on Thursday, September 30, Jamosa deviated from the pledge, opting to affirm her loyalty to Raila, who doubles as ODM leader, the party that nominated her to the assembly.

"I Joyce Jamosa Lugonzo do swear in the name of the almighty God that I shall always be loyal to my party leader," the MCA read out.

ODM Nominated MCA Joyce taking her oath of office at the Nairobi County Assembly on Thursday, September 29, 2022.JPG
ODM Nominated MCA Joyce Jamosa taking her oath of office at the Nairobi County Assembly on Thursday, September 29, 2022.
KBC

This sparked cheers and jeers among the members present, as the judicial officers administering the oath took a second look at whether they had presented her with the wrong written oath.

Consequently, the Clerk of the Nairobi County Assembly Edward Gichana asked her to retake the attestation and hold her preferred holy book in her right hand.

"I Joyce Jamosa Lugonzo do swear in the name of the almighty God that I shall always truly and diligently serve the people and the Republic of Kenya in the office of Member of County Assembly of Nairobi City. be loyal to my party leader,"

"That I shall diligently perform my duties and discharge my functions in the said office to the best of my judgment...so help me God!" Lugonzo declared.

The swearing-in ceremony happened during the inaugural sitting of the county assembly following the gazettement of the sitting by Governor Johson Sakaja.

Nairobi MCAs are the last lot of county representatives to be sworn into office, with Azimo elected members accusing Sakaja for deliberately delaying the gazettement over political reasons.

Once sworn in, the MCAs will elect the Speaker of the County Assembly, an exercise which will be presided over by the Clerk.

While seven candidates expressed interest in the position, only two candidates were cleared to contest the seat; ODM's Ken Ng'ondi and Hassan Robow.

Kenya Kwanza's Benson Gitura was disqualified over failing to avail required clearance documents. Other candidates include Samwel Masaki, Arthur Ngugi, Charles Muratha, Ahmed Dubon, Brian Mutie and Amimo Austine.

Inside the Nairobi County Assembly chambers.
Inside the Nairobi County Assembly chambers.
Capital Group