Tribunal stops impeachment craze by MCAs

What you need to know:

  • Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua said by taking the drastic action that has led to the formation of a tribunal to decide the county’s fate, Prof Kibwana set the leadership bar high.
  • Kericho Governor Paul Chepkwony survived an impeachment motion last year while Embu Governor Martin Wambora has been impeached twice.

Governor Kivutha Kibwana’s attempt to seek dissolution of the county government seems to have tamed MCAs across the country.

Analysts say the Makueni case has stopped the impeachment craze in counties.

Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua said by taking the drastic action that has led to the formation of a tribunal to decide the county’s fate, Prof Kibwana set the leadership bar high.

“I thank Prof Kibwana for seeking for the dissolution of his government. It is a good example,” Ms Karua said.

The dissolution was initiated by Mr Francis Mailu Mulandi and eight others who said differences between the governor and the assembly had hurt service-provision.

They said a shooting at the assembly in September last year showed that the damage in the relation could not be repaired.

IMPEACHED TWICE

Kericho Governor Paul Chepkwony survived an impeachment motion last year while Embu Governor Martin Wambora has been impeached twice. The matter is in the Court of Appeal.

Governors Benjamin Cheboi (Baringo), Evans Kidero (Nairobi) and Isaac Ruto (Bomet) have also been threatened with impeachment.

And Prof Kibwana appears to know that he will survive.

“I am offering myself to the people. Let them decide what kind of leadership they want,” he said.

Political scientist Tom Mboya said Prof Kibwana had reminded MCAs that it is people who had the final say.

Mr Mboya, who described the move as selfless, said it would deter others from impeaching leaders for no specific reason.

“It has dawned on ward representatives that if a governor has the support of the people, they (MCAs) can easily be kicked out in case of a dissolution,” the Maseno University don said.