Kenyan MCA Accused of Serving Constituents from Germany

Residents of West Asembo Ward in Siaya County have accused their Member of County Assembly (MCA) of neglecting his duties as an elected leader in order to run his business in Germany.

Residents have complained that Ambrose Auma Akuno, a member of Siaya County Assembly, spends most of his time abroad attending to personal matters at the expense of legislative role in the assembly

However, Akuno, who was elected on an independent ticket, says the claims are untrue and those fueling them are out to taint his name.

“The People of West Asembo entrusted me with leadership and that’s why they voted for me. I have a vision for my people and it doesn’t matter whether they see me in the village everyday as long as their issues are handled appropriately,” he told Sunday Standard.

He said he only travels out of the country with the permission from the county assembly speaker.

“I might not be in the village but that doesn’t mean that I am out of the country,” he added.

He added: “It is the interest and vision that I have for the people of my ward that makes me spend my own money on various projects. This is more than what I am being paid as an MCA.”

Speaking to the Standard, Siaya Speaker George Okode defended Akuno, noting that he has been carrying out his duties in the assembly as required.

“As far as I am concerned, the MCA has been dispensing his duties both in and out of the House,” said Okode adding that Akuno has been seeking permission to be away from his office just like any other member.