Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo survives Impeachment by single vote

Sep 17, 2024 - 16:10

Nyamira,

Tuesday, 17 September, 2024

McCreadie Andias

Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo has narrowly survived an Impeachment trial by a single vote during a proceeding by members of the county Assembly on Tuesday.

This is the second time in less than a year, where Governor Nyaribo has survived impeachment.

The embattled governor faces onslaught over alleged violation of the law, misconduct and abuse of office.

In the Tuesday afternoon motion, 22 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) backed the move, against a threshold of 23 votes with 12 MCA's voting against the motion.

“Those who voted yes are 22; those who voted no are 12. The number of those who abstained is zero, making the total number of valid votes to be 34. The threshold (for impeachment) stands at 22.6, which is 23. So the governor survives,” ruled House Speaker Enock Okero.

12 of the MCAs who shot down the motion are said to be nominated County legislators.

Addressing members of the media shortly afterwards, House Majority Leader Abel Mose expressed his pleasure with the turn of events.

“We are thankful to God for the victory we have got in this impeachment motion. We have won a second time,” he said.

Mr Mose pleaded with Anti-Nyaribo MCAs to quit the "Impeachment joke" and give the Governor ample time to work.

The governor’s advocate Jacob Ngwele expressed concerns over what he termed as a rising number of impeachment motions that are not supported by evidence.

“Our point was that for an impeachment motion to succeed, there must be a nexus between the impeachment motion you are bringing and the governor. You cannot just bring a motion raising rumours and propaganda,” remarked Mr Ngwele.

In the meantime, he urged for dialogue among leaders and peace to enable Governor Nyaribo deliver services to the people.

“I am calling on all leaders to be peaceful. Let the MCAs work with the governor to enable him achieve the objectives of his administration,” said Mr Ngwele.

The failed motion was moved by Wiper party’s nominated MCA Evans Matunda .

This is the second attempt at impeaching Mr Nyaribo after the first one failed in October 2023.

Mr Nyaribo survived the first impeachment after 16 MCAs voted for the impeachment against 18 who voted against it.