Written by Were Kelly
Machakos, Kenya – June 10, 2025 — High drama unfolded at the Machakos County Assembly on Tuesday as Members of County Assembly (MCAs) engaged in a physical altercation following a heated dispute over changes in minority leadership.
The session descended into chaos as rival lawmakers exchanged punches and kicks, halting proceedings and forcing security personnel into action.
The fracas erupted after the Speaker of the County Assembly reportedly announced changes in the minority leadership, citing official communication from the Wiper Democratic Movement.
According to sources, the party had recommended the removal of Felix Ngui of Katangi Ward and Mbili Ndawa of Matuu Ward from their respective leadership roles. Additionally, the Wiper Secretariat proposed replacing Ngui on the County Assembly Service Board (CASB) with Deputy Majority Whip Winnifred Mutua.
The announcement sparked immediate resistance from several MCAs, who challenged the legitimacy of the leadership changes.
Tensions soared when a motion was introduced to install Mathani MCA Francis Kavyu as the new Minority Leader — a move fiercely opposed by members who argued that Kavyu was aligned with the Majority side and therefore unfit to lead the opposition.
Tempers flared, and what began as verbal objections quickly spiraled into physical confrontation.
Video footage and images captured during the session showed MCAs hurling blows, shoving each other, and even charging toward the Speaker’s chair.
In the commotion, some MCAs reportedly sustained injuries, while others fled the chamber for safety.
Efforts by the sergeant-at-arms to restore order were overwhelmed.
At one point, an officer attempted to secure the ceremonial mace, prompting a dramatic chase by MCAs who demanded its return to resume the sitting.
The session was ultimately suspended amid the pandemonium.
This is not the first time the Machakos County Assembly has witnessed such scenes. In April 2025, similar unrest erupted during an impeachment attempt against Speaker Anne Kiusya.
That incident was linked to allegations of financial mismanagement and a broader political plot to unseat Governor Wavinya Ndeti.
Deputy Speaker Stephen Mwanthi then accused Kiusya of failing to account for public funds, sparking a political standoff that continues to simmer beneath the surface.
