Wrangles surrounding the leadership of Nairobi County have escalated after it emerged City Hall could be having two parallel offices of the Clerk.

Acting Clerk Adah Onyango said she has been having difficulties to execute her duties, as she is yet to be formally handed over the reins of office four months down the line.

“The reality is that I have not been able to perform my duties as required by law. Since I came to office, my predecessor has not handed over most of the vital documents,” she said.

 Onyango assumed office on June 7 following a court order that directed the then Clerk Edward Gichana to step aside.

Onyango says to date, there are some vital documents she is yet to receive, in clear contravention of County Assembly Services Act, which stipulates that the Clerk shall be the custodian of all formal documents.

The Court of Appeal had in June ordered Gichana to vacate office pending the hearing and determination of an intended appeal lodged by former Clerk Jacob Ngwele.

Interestingly, Gichana failed to hand over to Onyango and instead handed over the office to Deputy Clerk in charge of Administration, Pauline Akuku, setting the stage for a battle over control of the office.

However, Speaker Benson Mutura dismissed the actions by Gichana, insisting Onyango will continue to occupy office until the County Public Service Board picks a new person.

“For clarity and any avoidance of doubt, the Assembly acting Clerk is Adah Onyango,” Mutura said.

He said the court issued an injunction against Gichana from exercising the power, privileges and responsibilities of the clerk, pending the hearing and determination of the intended appeal. 

Speaker also did an internal communication to the Assembly staff.  “Please accord Adah Onyango necessary support to ensure continuity of Assembly business,” the memo.