A political standoff is brewing in Laikipia County after Gitahi Macharia, the Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Githiga Ward, accused Governor Joshua Irungu of interfering with the leadership of the county assembly following recent changes in the house.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with People Daily Digital on Sunday, March 8, 2026, Macharia claimed that the governor had taken issue with the recent leadership reorganisation in the assembly, which resulted in the election of a new majority leader from Tigithi Ward.

The MCA alleged that, in a political move, the governor had openly pushed for the resignation of Rumuruti Ward MCA John Gichuki as the majority leader and ensured his replacement with Nicholas Mwaniki as the new majority leader. The MCA has claimed that the governor was now pushing for further changes within key assembly committees.

“The leadership of the assembly is the sole responsibility of the members of the county assembly. It is not right for the executive to attempt to influence or control how the house organises itself,” Macharia said.

According to Macharia, the executive is allegedly targeting critical committees, particularly the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), ahead of the budget process for the upcoming financial year. He warned that such interference could undermine the assembly’s oversight role.

Macharia further claimed that the executive’s move could be part of a broader scheme to facilitate corruption within the county government.

“The plan by the executive is to interfere with the assembly leadership to create room for corrupt dealings and syphon public funds. These resources, we believe, are intended to finance political campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election,” Macharia added.

The Githiga Ward legislator also accused the governor of attempting to silence members of the Public Accounts Committee, whom he claimed had been sidelined for speaking out against alleged corruption and irregularities in the county.

UDA party urged to intervene

Macharia additionally raised concerns about what he termed a breach of a prior agreement within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA),the majority party in the assembly. According to the MCA, the party had earlier agreed that the position of majority leader would be held by a member from Laikipia West Constituency.

He argued that the recent leadership change had disregarded that understanding, sparking dissatisfaction among some members of the county assembly.

The MCA further faulted the county assembly leadership for what he described as poor communication regarding the sitting in which the new majority leader was elected. He claimed several members were not adequately informed about the session.

Macharia is now calling on the leadership of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to intervene and ensure fairness and transparency in the process of determining the house leadership.

The dispute is expected to heighten political tensions in the county as leaders prepare for key legislative and budgetary processes ahead of the next financial year.