Speaker stops “unprocedural usurpation” of Majority Leader post as house is adjourned

Majority Leader at the Wajir County Assembly, Mohamud Gabane at a past event. (Courtesy)

WAJIR—The Majority Leader in Wajir County Assembly has refuted calls to give up his seat, saying only the majority whip can influence him losing his seat.

Speaking to Kulan Post over the phone, Mohamud Gabane explained that the process of his removal could only be effected by way of the majority party in assembly writing to the speaker.

“The party has not written any of such letters. So, how is my removal possible,” he asked.

He is challenged by Elben Ward MCA Shekhey Ahmed (NARK)  who insist that he represent the majority party in the assembly.

Until  now PDR and NARK have not formally intervened in the Wajir matter. NARK Kenya is not a coalition partner with Jubilee, but a stand – alone party with no majority stake at the assembly however, the Party of Reforms and Democracy (PDR) a Jubilee party affiliate is the Majority Party.

According to the Standing Order, the Majority Leader can be removed by a majority votes of all members of the largest party or coalition of parties in the County Assembly.

The Standing Order also stipulates that the largest party or coalition of parties in the County Assembly, “Shall forthwith, upon a decision being made…communicate to the speaker in writing through the Chief Whip to the decision together with the minute of the meeting at which the decision was made.”

However, Shekhey insist the speaker was notified in writing of his appointment as the Majority Leader and Township MCA as the Majority Whip.

“The Speaker received communication that he should pronounce me as the new Majority Leader.

” When we came here today, we did not find in the Standing Order,” Shekhey said outside the assembly when the business was adjourned following fracas caused by the opposing MCAs.

“This is a house of procedures. I have not received any communication at all,” the assembly speaker, Ibrahim Yakub said.
The assembly was adjourned until the 24th.

The Majority Leader represents the agenda of the executive at the assembly.

The governor has remained tight – lipped over the matter although his aides accused the Elben MCA of fighting the executive that he accused meddling in the assembly activities.