The Nyamira County Assembly has filed a second impeachment motion against Governor Amos Nyaribo, signaling a deepening political crisis in the region. The motion, spearheaded by Nominated MCA Evans Matunda, accuses Nyaribo of grave violations, including abuse of office and gross misconduct. This development could potentially lead to a major shake-up in the county’s leadership if the motion garners the necessary support.
Grounds for Impeachment
The motion, officially presented by MCA Evans Matunda, cites multiple serious grounds for Nyaribo’s removal. Matunda’s notice highlights accusations of “gross violation of the constitution of Kenya and other laws,” alongside “abuse of office and gross misconduct.” These allegations paint a picture of a leader who is not only failing to meet his constitutional obligations but is also reportedly mismanaging county resources and affairs.
A significant factor contributing to the renewed push for impeachment is the alleged exclusion of Deputy Governor James Gesami Ondicho from key county activities. This exclusion has reportedly exacerbated tensions within the county’s executive branch, further straining an already fragile administration.
Support and Opposition
The impeachment motion has already received considerable backing from Nyamira County MCAs. The majority of the assembly members are reportedly disillusioned with Governor Nyaribo’s performance, particularly following his lackluster appearance before the Senate’s Special Funds Committee. The committee had been investigating discrepancies in the use of county funds for the financial years 2020/2021, 2021/2022, and 2022/2023. Nyaribo’s inability to provide satisfactory answers during this crucial session has been cited as a clear indicator of his administrative shortcomings.
MCA Abel Mose, a vocal supporter of the motion, criticized Nyaribo’s performance, pointing out that his failure to adequately address Senate inquiries only underscored his inadequacies. “The truth is that the governor is struggling with the job. Look at what happened when he was asked questions by the Senate; there was nothing at all that he answered,” Mose said.
Another MCA has echoed similar sentiments, noting severe issues such as the lack of essential medical supplies in local hospitals and a go-slow by county employees as further evidence of the governor’s ineffective leadership.
Political Maneuvering and Repercussions
The move to impeach Nyaribo is not without its political ramifications. Some ward representatives who have voiced opposition to the motion have faced retaliatory actions, including removal from parliamentary committees. For instance, Rigoma MCA Gisesa Emmanuel Nyambega, a known critic of the impeachment push, has been removed from his committee positions. This move has been perceived by some as a strategy to consolidate support for the motion while punishing dissenting voices.
This is not the first time Governor Nyaribo has faced impeachment proceedings. In October 2023, an earlier attempt to remove him from office narrowly failed, with 16 MCAs in support and 18 opposed. The earlier petition against Nyaribo was based on accusations of nepotism, favoritism, illegal staff recruitment, and failure to remit statutory dues, among other charges. The failure of the previous motion highlighted a contentious and polarized political environment within the county assembly.
The Path Forward
As Nyamira County braces for another potential leadership upheaval, the focus will now shift to the assembly’s debate and vote on the impeachment motion. For the motion to succeed, it will require a two-thirds majority of the assembly members, a threshold that is yet to be tested given the evolving political dynamics.
The outcome of this latest impeachment attempt could significantly impact the governance of Nyamira County, influencing not only the county’s administrative stability but also the broader political landscape in the region. As the debate unfolds, all eyes will be on the Nyamira County Assembly to see if this motion will succeed where the last one fell short, potentially reshaping the future of Nyamira’s leadership and governance.
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