Bomet County Assembly took a significant step in its oversight role by impeaching three County Executive Committee (CEC) members. The impeached officials are Andrew Sigei (Finance), Joseph Kirui (Public Service), and Eric Ngetich (Roads). The actions followed comprehensive investigations by Ad hoc committees that unearthed multiple allegations of misconduct against them.
The Assembly’s decision to remove these CEC members came after a series of rigorous inquiries into their conduct while in office. According to reports, the three officials faced charges that ranged from gross violations of the Constitution and other laws to abuse of office and incompetence. The impeachment motions were passed with notable support, reflecting the Assembly’s resolve to uphold accountability and governance standards.
Details of the Impeachments
Andrew Sigei, the CEC for Finance, was the first to be impeached. The motion for his removal was spearheaded by Kimulot MCA Eric Kirui. The Ad hoc Committee, led by Kapletundo Ward MCA Nathan Kibet, found Sigei guilty on two primary counts: gross violation of the Constitution and other laws, and incompetence. The decision was reached with 29 out of 38 MCAs voting in favor of his removal. Sigei’s alleged mismanagement and disregard for legal frameworks reportedly undermined the county’s financial operations, prompting his ouster.
Joseph Kirui, the CEC for Public Service, also faced the Assembly’s ire. The Ad hoc Committee investigating Kirui found him guilty on all the charges leveled against him, which included constitutional violations, abuse of office, and incompetence. Nominated MCA Vincent Mutai had tabled the motion against Kirui, highlighting severe concerns over his administration of public service functions. Like Sigei, Kirui’s removal was endorsed by 29 out of 38 MCAs, underscoring the weight of the evidence against him.
Eric Ngetich, the CEC for Roads, Transport, and Public Works, was the third official to be impeached. The investigation into Ngetich’s conduct revealed two major breaches: gross violation of the Constitution and abuse of office. Josphat Kipkirui, the motion’s mover, cited these issues as grounds for his removal. The Assembly’s vote mirrored the previous cases, with 29 out of 38 MCAs supporting the motion. Ngetich’s alleged misconduct in managing road and transport projects had reportedly hampered infrastructural development in the county.
Process and Reactions
During the impeachment hearings, all three CECs failed to attend the proceedings personally. Instead, they were represented by their lawyer, Desmond Leteipa. The absence of the CEC members from the hearings did not impede the Assembly’s decision-making process. Their legal representative argued on their behalf, but the evidence presented by the Ad hoc committees proved compelling enough for the Assembly to proceed with the impeachments.
The swift and decisive actions taken by the Bomet County Assembly highlight its commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability within the county government. By removing these officials, the Assembly aims to restore public confidence in its administrative processes and ensure that governance standards are adhered to.
The impeachments mark a significant moment in Bomet’s political landscape, reflecting the Assembly’s readiness to address allegations of corruption and misconduct head-on. As the county moves forward, the focus will likely shift to filling these key positions with competent individuals who can steer Bomet towards better governance and development.
In summary, the removal of Andrew Sigei, Joseph Kirui, and Eric Ngetich from their respective posts is a clear message that Bomet County Assembly will not tolerate violations of the law and administrative incompetence. The Assembly’s actions underscore its role as a crucial watchdog in safeguarding the integrity of county governance.
