Former Speaker of National Assembly Kenneth Marende at a Western region leaders meeting at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology on June 27, 2020. [Benjamin Sakwa]
Governors will meet on Monday to address rising cases of impeachment motions against them.
Council of Governors (CoG) Chairman Wycliffe Oparanya said plans by county assemblies to kick out county chiefs could derail development and the ongoing war against Covid-19.
“So far, we have about six governors facing impeachment motions in their counties, including Kitui’s Charity Ngilu.
“Although Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru was cleared of any wrongdoing by the Senate, the damage has been done,” said the Kakamega governor.
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“We shall be convening this week to deliberate on this issue. We plead with the MCAs to spare the governors and let them serve their remaining term in peace,” he said when he met elders from Kakamega at Masinde Muliro University on Saturday.
Mr Oparanya said impeachment motions were upsetting and ill-advised, especially at a time governors should be preparing their counties to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Other governors facing the wrath of their MCAs are Wycliffe Wangamati (Bungoma) and Sospeter Ojaamong (Busia), Salim Mvurya (Kwale), Patrick Khaemba (Trans Nzoia) and Wilber Ottichilo of Vihiga County.
County assemblies are accusing the governors of numerous issues, including abuse of office, corruption and nepotism.
It appears that most MCAs are emboldened by the successful impeachment of former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu.
Although Waititu’s case could have opened floodgates for the removal of more county chiefs, Waiguru’s recent clearance by the Senate could mean the ward representatives have a Herculean task before them.
Last week, Waiguru, who had been impeached by the County Assembly, survived the axe after an 11-member special committee of the Senate acquitted her, citing lack of evidence on claims levelled against her.
Oparanya claimed political rivals had resorted to “uncouth means” that would distract the governors from their work.
“We know the governors’ rivals are behind the surge in impeachment motions flying around. We urge them to hold their horses and give the county chiefs ample time to serve, the elections will come in 2022,” he said.
He was accompanied by governors Ottichilo, Wangamati and Ojaamong. He said their meeting is focused on finding a solution to the threat the governors are facing.
