Title: Chaos Erupts in Laikipia Assembly as MCAs Clash Over Move to Oust Minority Leader
Drama unfolded at the Laikipia County Assembly on Wednesday after a routine sitting degenerated into chaos, bringing proceedings to a halt. Tensions erupted when two rival factions of Members of County Assembly (MCAs) clashed over a motion seeking to remove Minority Leader Sammy Lekopien Parletto from office. The confrontation escalated moments after Speaker Lantano Nabaala began reading a notice of impeachment, sparking anger among MCAs who claimed they had not been informed of the motion beforehand.
The chamber quickly descended into disorder as MCAs shouted, shoved and hurled objects across the floor. In the height of the confrontation, Speaker Nabaala and his deputy, Anthony Theuri, were seen engaging in a physical altercation, shocking even seasoned assembly staff. Supporters of the Minority Leader stormed out in protest, accusing the Speaker of ambushing the house and violating established procedures. You cannot silence the house. This assembly is governed by the rule of law, Parletto said after walking out, insisting that due process had been ignored.
Several MCAs condemned the events, saying the process had been rushed and conducted in a manner that disregarded decorum and parliamentary norms. MCA Gitahi Macharia criticised the leadership of the assembly, arguing that the day’s events signalled a worrying decline in adherence to law and order. The chaos intensified to the point that assembly security could not contain the situation, prompting police officers to intervene and restore calm. Following the disruption, the County Assembly leadership closed the chambers and adjourned proceedings until further notice.
The political turmoil in Laikipia mirrors similar tensions emerging in other counties. In Kisii, 51 out of 69 MCAs have signed an impeachment motion targeting Deputy Governor Robert Monda, accusing him of gross misconduct and abuse of office. With multiple counties facing leadership wrangles, analysts warn that internal political battles could derail service delivery if not resolved swiftly. As Laikipia MCAs regroup ahead of the next sitting, all eyes remain on whether the motion to oust Parletto will proceed — and whether the assembly can restore order before deeper divisions take root.