Governors lash out at MCAs over wave of impeachments

By Felix Olick

Nairobi, Kenya: The Council of Governors (CoG) has criticised Members of the County Assemblies (MCS) for the current wave of impeachments terming it as “mob justice and lynching”.

The Governors led by CoG Chairman Isaac Ruto maintained that the impeachment proceedings do not meet the constitutional threshold, citing the case of Kericho Governor Paul Chepkwony who was ousted on Wednesday.

“The High Court of Kenya has said, and we wish to reiterate the position, that the removal of a governor is a serious mater,” noted Mr Ruto after a meeting with the governors.

Speaking yesterday in Nairobi, the governors maintained that one could only be removed from office if he was personally involved in sleaze, citing a recent ruling by the High Court.

They also said there must be evidence that a governor had stolen funds, which can be traced in his accounts or his associates or tried to influence procurement.

“He (governor) cannot be guilty by the mere fact that he is the CEO of a County. Roving allegations here and there does not meet the threshold,” Ruto said.

The governors called on the Senate to reject the impeachment proceedings.

They also called on the bicameral Parliament to review the County Government Act 2012 to introduce a threshold for impeachment.

Recall clause

According to the governors, even the recall clause for other elected leaders including the MCAs, requires that they must have served for at least 24 months.

“For the others, there is due process, for governors there is no due process,” Ruto complained.

A number of governors are facing the axe from MCAs who have been criticised for misusing their powers.