By Martin Masai
Senate Orders Kuyu to Release Witheld Assembly Funding
The Senate Committee on Devolution has ordered Machakos County Finance CEC Muia Kuyu to immediately release withheld funds to the County Assembly, terming the move illegal and an abuse of office.
The Committee declared that the withholding of funds was “unjustified and legally unfounded,” sending a strong message to Governor Wavinya Ndeti’s administration over what it described as overreach and political interference.
It followed a day long washing of the County’s dirty linen under the glare of the nation.
The cast was Speaker Kiusya and 22 supporting MCAs on the one side, while Wavinya’s side was represented by Majority Leader Nicholas Nzioka and 32 othe MCAs.
They had been summoned to Senate’s Devolution Committee at the bidding of Machakos Senator Agnes Muthama
It is chaired by Senator Mohammed Sheikh. Reading the resolutions, Senator Catherine Muma dressed down the Assembly in a broad day repremand that will see the committee visit Machakos for follow-ups.
The directive to release funds follows weeks of paralysis at the County Assembly, which had been suspended by Ms Kiusya after a chaotic fallout with Wavinya and MCAs, that culminated in twice failed impeachment proceedings against her.
The impeachment bid has created deep divisions in the Assembly, marked by physical confrontations, walkouts, and the disruption of House Business Committee meetings. The end is yet to be seen.
As tensions escalated, Speaker Kiusya indefinitely closed the Assembly, citing threats to her personal safety and to the security of staff and MCAs.
In response, the Executive, through CEC Muia Kuyu, moved to withhold the Assembly’s operational funds, citing irregularities in the composition of the County Assembly Service Board—a justification the Senate flatly rejected.
“The CEC Finance has no legal mandate to withhold the Assembly’s funds,” the Senate ruled.
Senators further censured the County Assembly Service Board for attempting to meddle in legislative scheduling and directed it to keep off House business.
“The Board must refrain from interfering with the Assembly calendar or pronouncing itself on House matters,” the Committee warned.
The Committee committed to probing the composition of the Board under Section 12(3)(d) of the County Governments Act, signaling broader institutional accountability efforts.
Governor Wavinya Ndeti’s administration appeared to face a dressing down during the session, with Senators expressing concern over Executive encroachment on legislative independence.
The Senate urged Speaker Kiusya and the Assembly’s leadership to end their standoff and resume business in the interest of the people of Machakos.
It reminded elected leaders that the public would ultimately judge them not only by what they delivered but also by how they behaved in office.
The closure of the Assembly has stalled vital legislative business, including scrutiny of the 2025/2026 budget and consideration of the County Valuation Roll.
The Senate ordered that a special sitting be convened within seven days to alter the Assembly’s calendar and recover lost ground.
It also pledged to conduct a follow-up visit to the County Assembly to monitor progress and address any lingering issues.
In closing, the Committee warned that continued disunity in the Assembly would only empower an overreaching Executive and shortchange the people of Machakos.
“The little money you have must be used prudently,” the Senators told the MCAs. “And only through your oversight can the county deliver.”
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