The Senate Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations has directed the Machakos County Assembly to resume operations after it remained closed for 50 days following the indefinite closure by its speaker, Anne Kiusya.
The committee, chaired by Senator Mohamed Abass Sheikh, brought together Assembly leadership, the Speaker, and committee members in a tense but constructive dialogue aimed at restoring order and accountability in the county.
“The Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations has issued firm recommendations calling for the immediate resumption of Machakos County Assembly business, following months of disruption caused by leadership wrangles, physical confrontations, and alleged procedural violations,” the committee said in a statement on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
Senator Catherine Mumma, the Vice Chair of the committee, outlined the resolutions made after extensive deliberations.
“As indicated to you, and we’ve made some recommendations, these take into account the conversation we have had, and the confirmation by both sides that you all desire to get business going in the County Assembly of Machakos,” she stated.
Illegal suspension
Key among the committee’s resolutions was the finding that the suspension of the Assembly’s plenary sittings, initiated by the Speaker, amounted to an illegal alteration of the Assembly’s calendar.
This, they said, violated Standing Order 25 of the Machakos County Assembly Standing Orders, which requires a resolution of the Assembly.
Speaker Kiusya had initially suspended the assembly plenary sittings and committee meetings over security concerns, following an incident where MCAs engaged in a fist-fight in the chambers over the speaker’s planned impeachment.
The committee resolved that, now that security challenges have reportedly been addressed, the Assembly should resume sittings in line with its approved calendar.
Similarly, the Speaker and leadership were directed to convene a special sitting within seven days to consider a motion to alter the calendar and resume plenary sessions.
The suspension, the committee noted, had affected key legislative matters including the supplementary budget for the financial year 2024/2025, the 2025/2026 budget estimates, and the Machakos County Valuation Roll. These items are bound by statutory timelines, with the Valuation Roll’s 60-day approval deadline set to lapse on June 6, 2025.
“We recommend that the County Assembly convene immediately in accordance with the standing orders relating to the convening of special sittings to consider pending legislative business,” the committee declared.
Physical confrontation
On the issue of physical confrontations among members, the committee strongly condemned such behaviour, terming it a violation of Chapter 6 of the Constitution on leadership and integrity. They urged all MCAs to uphold decorum and the rule of law.
Addressing the withholding of funds to the Assembly, the committee directed the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance to release funds immediately, terming the withholding as unjustified and without legal basis. They added that the County Assembly Service Board had no mandate to interfere with House business or the Assembly calendar.
“With your goodwill, I think Machakos Assembly will resume as soon as possible. I request the House Leadership and the Speaker to meet again and have a dialogue on how best we can drive this House forward,” Sheikh said.
He also assured that the committee would visit the Assembly for follow-up and would summon the Governor and CECM Finance if needed.
Senator Richard Onyonka offered personal advice to the Speaker Kiusya, urging her to allow the MCAs to air their views without restrictions.
“You are probably the first woman to hold this office. The expectations are higher. Please do your job with excellence. Be the mother of the House and allow these members to vent,” Onyonka said.
