This archive report was first published on 15 June 2020.
June 15, 2020, marked a crucial day in the battle to save or sack Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru as the Senate prepared to debate her impeachment.
The governor's fate hangs in the balance as the Senate, dominated by Jubilee Party, is divided on whether to approve her impeachment or not.
Waiguru's supporters, including ODM leader Raila Odinga, are fighting to save her, while Deputy President William Ruto's allies want her out of office.
Waiguru was impeached by Kirinyaga MCAs last Tuesday after 23 out of 33 voted in favour of the motion to remove her from office.
Despite the odds against her, Waiguru remains optimistic, citing her support for President Kenyatta and Odinga's handshake as a springboard to national politics.
She has turned out to be the government's foremost defender on several issues, including the war on graft and the Big Four Agenda.
However, Waiguru's case is a litmus test to the sovereignty of the Senate, with some senators questioning the independence of the House.
Senate Majority Whip Irungu Kang'ata assured that they will give the governor a ruling based on the evidence and defence presented.
ODM's director of elections, Junet Mohammed, said the party would defend Waiguru, but Odinga later dismissed claims of whipping ODM senators to save the besieged county boss.
"The Senate should work independently and those charged to defend themselves based on the facts presented," Odinga said.
