Impeached West Pokot speaker barred from assembly chambers despite court orders

West Pokot county assembly speaker Catherine Mukenyang was on Tuesday locked out of the county assembly premises after she turned up to preside over the county assembly proceedings.

This was despite Eldoret High court giving her stay orders pending the hearing of her case.

The speaker who was impeached on September 7, arrived in the county assembly premises in an Administration Police vehicle escorted by armed police officers.

Although she had the court order, Mukenyang was barred from accessing the county assembly chambers.

The speaker pleaded with the assembly security officers for a couple of minutes to open the gate but they declined.

Speaking outside the county assembly, Mukenyang said the courts allowed her to continue serving as the assembly and she had not delegated her duties to anyone.

“I’m still the official speaker, whatever they are doing is unconstitutional. The assembly is a house of law and should follow the court order,” She said.

She noted that she could not use force to get access to the county assembly adding that she will still go back to the courts to get advisory because the purported impeachment was nullified.

Among a few others, MCA Benjamin Araule of Mnagei ward defended the speaker saying the wrangles are a waste of time.

“The wrangles might extend afterwards. The management of the county assembly should obey the stay orders. It’s not fair at all,” he said.