Chaos and tension engulfed the Machakos County Assembly today after senior county officers failed to appear before the General Oversight Committee, leaving Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) frustrated and demanding accountability.
The session, presided over by Speaker Hon. Anne Kiusya, followed a directive issued on 4th August 2025 summoning the County Executive Committee Member for Devolution, the Chairperson and Secretary of the County Public Service Board, and the County Secretary. The officers were required to respond to queries raised by Hon. Francis Ngunga (Mua Ward) regarding how recruitment has been conducted in the county.
Hon. Kiusya informed the Assembly that although letters from the officers had been received in response to the summons, their absence on the floor of the House left MCAs dissatisfied. Members questioned why the officers chose written communication over appearing in person as mandated by law, pointing to the County Governments Act and County Assemblies Powers and Privileges Act, which require county officers to appear before committees when summoned unless officially excused.
The Assembly witnessed heated exchanges as MCAs debated the breach of protocol, describing it as a disregard for the authority of the House and an undermining of legislative procedures.
After extensive deliberations, Members unanimously resolved to refer the matter to the Labour, Public Works, and ICT Committee. The committee is expected to conduct a full inquiry into the county’s recruitment processes and report back to the Assembly within 21 days.
