Machakos – Speaker Anne Kiusya has returned to court to block the comeback of nine suspended Machakos MCAs, intensifying a political standoff that has shaken the county assembly.
The Speaker moved to the High Court this week to contest temporary orders that allowed the suspended lawmakers to resume their seats. She accused the nine of misconduct and violating assembly rules, leading to their suspension for 28 sittings earlier this year.
Now, she says the court made its ruling without hearing her side. In her petition, filed through lawyer Danstan Omari, Kiusya argues that the MCAs concealed important information and acted in bad faith when they challenged the suspension.
“The Speaker was not given an opportunity to explain the basis of her decision. The court acted on incomplete facts,” Omari told the bench.
The suspended MCAs include Majority Leader Nicholas Nzioka, Deputy Speaker Stephen Nzue Mwanthi, former Minority Leader Judas Mbili Ndawa, and MCAs Felix Mutunga Ngui, Raphael Nzau, Charles Mbuva, Phoebe Koki, Anna Nthenya Ndilo, and Catherine Kyee.
The court’s decision to reinstate them has triggered fresh tensions within the county’s political circles. On Wednesday, Kinanie/Mathatani MCA Francis Kavyu accused Governor Wavinya Ndeti of making threats against Speaker Kiusya. He claimed the governor told residents she would mobilize them to remove the Speaker from office.
Kavyu criticized the remarks, warning that they could incite conflict and erode lawful governance. “We cannot allow public offices to be threatened. There is a process, and it must be respected,” he said.
Lawyer Omari echoed this view, stating, “If the Governor wants the Speaker out, let her use the law. We will not allow illegal shortcuts.”
The political rift exposes growing cracks within Machakos County’s leadership, as factions clash over control and accountability. The legal dispute, now back before the court, will determine whether the suspensions stand or if the MCAs can retain their seats.
As legal proceedings resume, residents are closely watching the fallout. The outcome could shape the county assembly’s operations and influence the next phase of local governance.
