Robert Alai has dismissed Azimio Minority Whip Moses Ogeto’s letter threatening him of disciplinary action after he (the Kilelesha MCA) attended Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s meeting over the restoration of Nairobi rivers in Karen last week on Wednesday.
In a letter dated May 2, MCA Alai and two other Nairobi County Assembly members elected on an Azimo la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party ticket were required to explain why they attended the meeting where DP Gachagua urged MPs, MCAs, Senators, and governors to prioritize the restoration efforts, emphasizing that the well-being of Nairobi’s populace hinges on the success of these endeavors.
”In open defiance and disregard of the said communication, you proudly chose to attend and even went ahead to give a speech on how you are ready and willing to work with Kenya Kwanza to advance their policies. You are hereby asked to submit a written explanation of your conduct and provide us with valid cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against you,” Ogeto’s letter reads in part.
In his May 6 rebuttal, Robert Alai called out the majority whip for trying to undermine the work of other elected leaders, saying he never received instructions requiring them to skip the meeting called by DP Gachagua. The fiery MCA said it was wrong for the Nairobi County Assembly Minority whip to restrict elected leaders from attending functions where issues touching on their electorates are being discussed.
“I question the rationale behind restricting elected officials from attending government functions in official capacities. Elected leaders are representatives of the people, not mere followers of directives that do not serve their constituents’ best interests. By side-lining Azimio One Kenya Coalition Party elected leaders from contributing to policy discussions, aren’t we failing the very people who depend on us to safeguard their interests?” the Kileleshwa MCA posed.
MCA Alai argued that it is inappropriate and counterproductive to restrict elected officials from attending meetings central to the governance and development of their constituencies.
Last week’s meeting was convened by the deputy president who delved into the specifics of the Nairobi Rivers regeneration program and the rehabilitation of the catchment basin.
Cabinet Secretaries Aden Duale and Zachary Njeru, along with the Chairperson of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, Dr Pamela Olet, were among the dignitaries present.
Apart from MCA Robert Alai, other elected leaders who attended the meeting included Nairobi Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri, MPs Phelix Jalang’o (Lang’ata), Ronald Karauri (Kasarani), Esther Pasaris (Nairobi Woman Representative), Beatrice Elachi (Dagorreti North), Yusuf Hassan (Kamukunji), Mejjadonk Gathiru (Embakasi Central) and James Gakuya (Embakasi North).
