BY SHABAN OMAR
Kwale County Assembly Speaker Seth Mwatela Kamanza has vehemently denied accusations that he is involved in covering up for the five nominated MCAs who were alleged to have been dismissed by the court.
Kamanza has also refuted claims that he is causing disunity among MCAs and that he is behind the incompetency within the assembly and violating the court directives.
For the past few months, Kamanza has been a man on the siege following a series of contentious issues in Kwale.
These include concerns over poor health service delivery and ongoing corruption cases concerning some of the executive members and push to oust the allegedly dismissed MCAs.
These issues have ignited heated debates on social media, with some locals criticizing the county assembly for failing in its oversight duties and accusing it of being overly aligned with the executive, with speaker Kamanza facing the brunt of the criticism.
Speaking in an interview in his office, Kamanza said the allegations are unfounded and emphasized his commitment to maintaining transparency, law and unity within the assembly.
“Whatever criticisms are directed at me are unfounded. People often misunderstand the distinct roles of the Speaker and that of the MCAs,” he said.
Kamanza stated that the case involving the five nominated MCAs is still pending in the constitutional court.
He noted that a court order has been issued allowing them to continue their duties until the matter is resolved.
The Speaker clarified that he lacks the jurisdiction to fire or declare an MCA seat vacant, adding that the responsibility falls under the IEBC.
Kamanza affirmed that he has consistently acted within the bounds of the law and will continue to do so.
He added that once the court rules on the case involving the nominated MCAs, he will fulfil his role accordingly.
“We have not violated any laws; we are adhering to them and will continue to do so,” he said.
Addressing allegations that the county assembly is controlled by the executive, Kamanza clarified that the implementation process and oversight authority are two different things.
He said that the assembly’s role is to focus on oversight, representation, and legislation.
Kamanza asserted that the county assembly has been working diligently to improve the lives of Kwale citizens.
He noted that within the past two years, the assembly has passed over six laws aimed at enhancing service delivery and improving the lives of local residents.
The Speaker also revealed that several members of the county executive have been summoned to address allegations of poor service delivery and other scandals.
He announced that a detailed report will soon be released, explaining the reasons behind the subpar service delivery in certain county departments, particularly in health.
Kamanza noted that there have been issues with the disbursement of national government funds.
He revealed that salaries have not been paid for nearly four months, forcing employees to seek assistance from banks.
Additionally, he reported that for about seven months, the government has not released Operations and Maintenance funds for the entire county, compelling officials to use their own money to fuel vehicles while on official duties.
“For the past year, we have faced significant challenges with the disbursement of salaries as well as Operations and Maintenance funds,” he said.
He said despite the challenges the assembly has been able to deliver effectively.
Kamanza said various county assembly committees have been working tirelessly upto weekends to enhance oversight roles and other services.
He urged the locals to be patient and seek updates on the official KwaleCounty Assembly website.
Regarding the division within the assembly, Kamanza stated that Kwale leaders have committed to working together, setting aside their political differences for the benefit of ordinary people.
He emphasized that their primary goal is to improve service delivery and that any notion of division is unfounded.
County assembly budget committee chairperson Manza Beja also rallied behind the speaker adding that the assembly remains united and committed to improve service delivery.
Beja stated that the county assembly has been working both independently and in close cooperation with the executive.
He said that they have frequently corrected the executive and called for action on budget proposals and development projects and poked holes wherever necessary.
Beja noted that, unlike in other counties where governors dictate the allocation of development funds to wards, Kwale ensures that each ward receives an equal share of development funds.
Beja also defended the Speaker against allegations of frequent travel, asserting that each trip must be justified and approved by the Ministry of Devolution.
Tiwi MCA Juma Ali remarked that the alleged corruption cases involving executives are only being discussed on social media and have not been officially communicated.
He expressed concern over why the accused have not been arrested for their alleged crimes.
Ali said the county assembly cannot summon people based on hearsay and that there must be sufficient evidence.
