Overindulgence in alcohol and a dispute over unpaid bill has been said to be what led to a fight that broke out between two members of the Nyeri County Assembly early this year in Arusha, Tanzania that left one of the MCA’s, a female ward representative, nursing injuries.
A report tabled in the assembly confirmed that there was a scuffle between Kirimukuyu MCA Anthony Ndagita and his Magutu counterpart Pauline Wanjira during a training in the neighbouring country in May this year.
While tabling the report, Majority Leader James Kayugo observed that from the testimonies adduced to the Powers and Privilege committee, the MCAs involved were drunk on alcohol which may have interfered with their judgment.
He added that it was difficult to confirm claims of assault and injury to Ms Wanjira because MCAs who witnessed the fight gave conflicting information on what transpired on May 9.
“The witnesses’ accounts were very contradictory and hence not collaborative. It is also evident that the MCAs may have had over-indulged in alcohol and hence may not have been in the right state of mind,” indicated the report.
Ms Wanjira, when appearing before the committee, declined to give details of the scuffle insisting that she was pursuing the matter with other investigating agencies and had no confidence in the committee.
She alleged that the leadership of the assembly were biased and that she may not get justice as long as they remain members of the committee.
Mr Ndagita, who had been accused of clobbering his colleague, told the committee that he was enjoying the company of two ladies from Tanzania when Ms Wanjira and Konyu MCA Eric Wamumbi joined their table.
He said trouble started when Ms Wanjira refused to contribute money to settle the bill for meat and drinks they had ordered.
“After a series of verbal exchange regarding the bill, Hon Pauline Wanjira grabbed a bottle of whisky and attempted to throw it at me,” he claimed.