Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka is appealing to governors to foster good working relationships with ward reps in order to stem the current wave of impeachments in the country.
Lusaka wants the county bosses to embrace dialogue with the MCAs and stop chest-thumping if at all they want to continue to stay in office.
The Speaker was reacting to the impeachment of Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko by the Nairobi County Assembly, which the senate stamped authority to his removal last week.
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu was also impeached last year and his deputy Dr James Nyoro took over as governor.
Governors Martin Wambora (Embu), Prof Paul Chepkwony (Kericho), Granton Samboja (Taita Taveta), Mwangi wa Iria (Murang’a), Kivutha Kibwana (Makueni) and Nderitu Gachagua (Nyeri and now deceased) were impeached but saved by either the Senate or the courts.
“What the electorate want is development and not flexing of muscles between the executive and the county assemblies through impeachments. This should stop and its only governors who can make this happen by working together with the ward reps,” said Lusaka.
Lusaka was speaking yesterday during the launch of Bunge Mashinani at Vihiga County Assembly, a program of the local assembly that aims to open up the house to members of the public.
According to the Senate Speaker, some of the issues that have led to the impeachment of county bosses can be resolved easily if they gave dialogue and talks a chance.
“I appeal to the executive and county assembly’s leadership to try and work together. I know impeachment of governors by MCAs is provided for in the constitution, but it should be the last option,” said Lusaka
“The two levels of government in the counties all need each other and they serve the same people. Many of the issues that have led to the painful removal of governors from office can be easily settled through dialogue,” the ex Bungoma Governor added.
Lusaka noted that the Senate will continue to defend devolution, and appealed to Governors and MCAs to follow the law as they carry out their respective roles and mandates as spelled out in the constitution.
Area Governor Wilber Ottichilo who was present used the occasion to issue his the annual state of the county address for the financial year 2019/20. He outlined the development programs of his administration.
County Assembly Speaker Hasna Mudeizi who chaired the session said Bunge Mashinani sessions will be held in each of the 25 wards in the county.
The sessions, which will be a replica of the usual assembly proceedings, will see county executives and chief officers interrogated in the presence of the public.
Those that attended the event included: Vihiga MP Ernest Ogesi, Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala, former Vihiga MP Yusuf Chanzu, MCAs and officials of the County Assemblies Forum.
