Nairobi County Assembly chambers. [Photo/NMG]
Nairobi MCAs on Tuesday boycotted a plenary session on Tuesday to protest a requirement that they provide security for loans that include logbooks or title deeds for them to secure mortgage and car loans.
The MCAs converged outside the chamber and vowed not to boycott Wednesday's session too if their grievances are not addressed. They argue that most of them were elected for the first time on August 8 and do have logbooks or title deeds to provide as collateral, the Star reports.
The ward reps are entitled to Sh3 million for mortgage and another Sh2 million car loan.
"Most of us here are poor. We have never owned a car or land. And now someone tells us to provide logbooks, where will we get them. Our payrolls can act as collateral” Karura MCA Joseph Wambugu said as quoted by the Star.
However, Majority leader Abdi Guyo and minority chief whip Peter Imwatok differed with other MCAs, saying that Loans and Mortgage regulations approved by the assembly requires that the members should provide security for their loans.
"The regulations are very clear. And we cannot bend the law," Guyo said.
Kitusuru MCA Alvin Palapala who is serving his second term also faulted the county leadership for demanding for collateral arguing that it was an injustice to new members.
Karen MCA and former majority chief David Mberia said members provided security for their loans even in the first assembly.