Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa has condemned a move by the Kiambu County Assembly to revoke the voting rights of nominated Members of County Assemblies (MCA).

Taking to his official X account on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, the Kiambu Senator stated that there is no county assembly that has the authority to pass a motion preventing its members from participating in voting.

Thang’wa on the motion

For such a motion to pass, the lawmaker argued that there has to be a constitutional amendment in place to support the action.

According to Senator Thang’wa, any attempt to block Members of the County Assembly, whether elected or nominated, from voting without a legal framework would undermine democratic governance and the principles of representation.

“It’s essential to clarify that no county assembly has the authority to pass a motion preventing its members from participating in voting unless there is a constitutional amendment in place to support such an action. Any attempt to block members (whether elected or nominated) from voting without a legal framework undermines democratic governance and the principles of representation,” the lawmaker stated.

Violation of constitution

The lawmaker further stated that the move to deny any MCA the right to vote without proper legal grounds amounts to a violation of the constitution.

“Denying any MCA this right without proper legal grounds is a violation of constitutional and legislative norms,” Thang’wa said.

It's essential to clarify that no county assembly has the authority to pass a motion preventing its members from participating in voting unless there is a constitutional amendment in place to support such an action.

Any attempt to block members (whether elected or nominated)… pic.twitter.com/7j5atc95a7

— Sen. Karungo wa Thang'wa (@KarungoThangwa) November 26, 2024

Thang’wa’s remarks come after a motion was tabled before the County Assembly of Kiambu to curtail the voting rights of nominated members.

The motion, introduced by Riabai MCA Hezron Gachui and set to be debated today, Tuesday, November 26, 2024, seeks to block nominated members from participating in any form of voting.

This includes denying nominated MCAs the right to vote on the annual budget, supplementary budgets, and other development-related bills and motions.

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai had also termed the move as wrong, stating that every Member of Parliament, MCA, and Senator, whether elected through the ballot or affirmative action, should enjoy the full rights of members.

“This is wrong! Every MP, MCA, and Senator, whether elected through the ballot or affirmative action, should enjoy the full rights of members. Just so you know – those who you call nominated are serving a special purpose,” Alai stated in a post shared via his official X account.