This archive report was first published on 8 June 2020.
On March 17, 2020, the Baringo County Assembly impeached Ameja Zelemoi, the then Deputy Speaker, citing loss of confidence in his leadership and abuse of public resources.
Fast forward to June 8, 2020, the High Court in Kabarnet has endorsed the impeachment, paving the way for Jacob Cheboiwo of Jubilee Party to take over as the new Deputy Speaker.
Cheboiwo, flanked by a section of MCAs, including Kipruto Kimosop of Mochongoi ward and Silas Tochim of Tenges, addressed journalists at the county assembly, thanking the Judiciary for dispensing justice and fairness in the petition case.
He attributed the victory to the combined efforts of his lawyer, the legal teams of the county assembly, and the huge support from the Speaker and Assembly's clerk.
Cheboiwo assured the nine MCAs who opposed his election that he would dispense justice and fairness in his new role, regardless of party affiliations.
He outlined his plan to fast-track the work of the house committee, saying, "Starting from today, we will plan for events whereby liaison committee will sit so that we will fast track on what every committee will be doing at a certain time. We will prepare our own work plan so that we make sure that Baringo county assembly achieves what they have planned to achieve in the remaining time before the 2022 general elections."
The MCAs allied to KANU Chairman, Senator Gideon Moi, and those supporting Deputy President William Ruto, have been clashing openly as each side seeks to win the political support of the populous Kalenjin community.
