"I do not fear impeachment," Siaya County Governor Rasanga says

Siaya, Kenya: Siaya County Governor Cornel Rasanga has now taken on his critics, who have persistently called for his impeachment. Rasanga who boasts of re-election after winning a court battle that threatened his reign as the county chief, has been at loggerheads with a section of Members of Parliament from the county, who have in many occasions hit at his administration especially when addressing mourners at funerals.

Rasanga has come out fighting, telling off the MPs, terming them bitter individuals who have nothing specific to complain about.

Speaking on Thursday during the county's open forum where the Governor, his deputy Mr Ouma Onyango and County Executives met the locals in a forum meant to engage directly with the voters on accountability and enhancing public participation, Governor Rasanga said his leadership has been welcome by Siaya residents.

"These impeachment threats will not cow me. Mine is to serve the people who voted for me and those who did not vote for me. I have heard on several occasions a few MPs going round bad-mouthing my administration, but they are aware just as I do, that they are peddling lies to hood-wink the locals," said Rasanga.

He added, "They keep intimidating and blackmailing me with impeachment. Mine is to serve Siaya and won't be distracted by their sideshows.

Earlier in that forum, Siaya Township Member of County Assembly (MCA) James Otare had claimed that there is a group of MCAs that are being sponsored by Rasanga's critics to table an impeachment motion when the assembly meets next week.

"They will meet real war in the assembly. We will beat them up should they come with such a motion which only aims at dragging development projects behind," said Mr Otare.

However, those sentiments were dismissed by North Gem MCA Mr Jared Abayo, who told Otare that such loose talks were unfortunate and unconstitutional.

"Who is Otare to claim that he will beat up fellow MCAs? Let me assure everyone here that impeachment laws are very clear and if we have to do it we will do it according to law, but the Governor needs not to worry if he is doing a good job," said Abayo.

70 year old Nominated MCA Sella Okwako prevailed upon the warring factions in Siaya advising them that they were setting a dangerous trend that would jeopardise the already picking up development projects.

"Am advising the elected leadership in this county that we should thank God for devolution. We now can see our roads being tarmacked. Let's avoid this push and pull," said Mrs Okwako. She added, "In fact I want to hear leaders in Siaya talking about welcoming US President Barrack Obama home when he visits in July, not these petty politics."

Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo has been constantly criticising Rasanga's leadership for what he terms misappropriation of funds.