Majority Chief Whip at Nairobi County Assembly Moses Ogeto has asked Kileleshwa ward MCA Robert Alai to explain why he attended a meeting convened by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Ogeto has asked Alai to provide the reason why he should not be punished for attending the April 24 meeting.
Rigathi invited MCAs from the political divide for an engagement with the Nairobi Rivers Commission.
In the letter to Alai, Ogeto said all Azimio One Kenya coalition members were duly advised not to attend the meeting called by Gachagua at his Karen residence.
“However, in open defiance and disregard of the said communication, you proudly chose to attend and even went further to give a speech on how you are ready and willing to work with Kenya Kwanza to advance their policies,” Ogeto said in his show cause letter dated May 2, 2024.
In his response, Alai said he received no prior formal or informal communication advising against participation in the referenced meeting.
He said it was crucial to specify how the directive was communicated to ensure that no such oversight occurs in the future.
“Furthermore, I question the rationale behind restricting elected officials from attending government functions in official capacities. Elected leaders are representatives of the people, not mere followers of directives that do not serve their constituents’ best interests,” he said.
Ogeto went further to note that Alai’s dalliance and open affection towards Kenya Kwanza has been treated as serious misconduct towards the leadership of the House and the leadership of the coalition in general.
“Your conduct and general comportment not only violates sections 14A of the Political Parties Act 2011, Article 11 of the party constitution and party’s code of conduct but has sent mixed signals and caused unnecessary anxiety within party membership and supporters,” he added.
He asked Alai to submit a written explanation of his conduct and provide a valid cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against him.
“It should reach to the office of the Majority Party Whip by May 16, 2024,” the letter said.
However, Alai added that Nairobi faces dire environmental challenges, evidenced by tragic incidents such as the loss of young lives due to floods and the ongoing pollution issues in Riverside, Kileleshwa.
“These critical issues were on the agenda in the meeting with the Deputy President, underscoring the necessity of my presence there,” he explained.
During the meeting, Gachagua colded MCAs from Nairobi who reportedly snubbed his meeting on reclaiming the Nairobi River.
He said the demand by the MCAs for a neutral venue was “misguided.”
“When they keep away because of politics, it means they have lost it. Nairobi rivers have nothing to do with politics. When they overflow, they do not choose the part of the political divide they do it,” the DP said.
Gachagua said MCAs should understand that elections are long gone and it was time to serve the people.
“I would have been very happy if they were here. They would also have said what is needed to be done to make the lives of the people better,” the DP added.
