Clashes Erupt in Kilifi County Assembly Amid Budget Committee Dispute
Tensions boiled over in the Kilifi County Assembly on Monday after sharp disagreements over the restructuring of the Budget Committee escalated into physical confrontation. UDA-nominated MCA Elina Mapenzi was allegedly assaulted by Shela MCA Sheila Twahir and Watamu MCA Abdi Matumbo moments after she expressed support for Speaker Teddy Mwambire’s proposal to establish a whole house Budget Committee. The push for a fully inclusive committee follows the recent dissolution of the previous team, which had been marred by integrity concerns. The dramatic confrontation brought proceedings to a halt and left members deeply divided over who should control budget oversight in the county.
The clash has exposed long-standing tensions within the Assembly, where opposing factions differ sharply over Speaker Mwambire’s leadership style and the direction of fiscal accountability. While a section of MCAs accuse the Speaker of attempting to consolidate power by restructuring key committees, his supporters insist that dissolving the former committee was overdue and necessary to restore public trust. They argue that a whole-house model would reduce political interference, enhance transparency, and ensure all elected leaders participate in budget scrutiny. The confrontation has since sparked debate among residents and civil society groups, many of whom say it reflects deeper governance struggles within the county.
Meanwhile, a separate controversy is unfolding within the executive arm of the county government after fresh allegations emerged linking Governor Gideon Mung’aro’s administration to possible interference in a court case involving mistreated casual workers. A key witness—identified as Millicent—was reportedly taken away by a county official under the guise of attending a meeting with the Governor. Millicent is believed to hold critical audio recordings that allegedly implicate the Governor in an attempt to influence a sitting judge. The sudden removal of the witness coincided with the postponement of the case to July 17, raising questions from labour activists and legal observers about potential obstruction of justice.
Neither the Governor nor his office has issued a statement addressing the allegations, leaving uncertainty over how the matter will evolve. With escalating tensions in both the Assembly and the courts, Kilifi County now faces increasing pressure from residents, rights groups, and national oversight bodies to uphold transparency and accountability. The coming weeks are expected to determine whether the county leadership can resolve internal divisions and restore public confidence amid mounting political turmoil.