This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
On June 17, 2020, the Senate of Kenya established a special committee to investigate the proposed removal of Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru. Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala was elected to chair the committee, which was adopted overwhelmingly by the Senate with 45 Senators voting in support.
Nominated Senator Abshiro Halake will serve as the committee's deputy chair. The 11-member committee also includes Senators Michael Mbito, Mwangi Githiomi, Beth Mugo, Anuar Loitiptip, Philip Mpaayei, Beatrice Kwamboka, Stewart Madzayo, Judith Pareno, and Moses Kajwang.
According to Senator Malala, the committee will execute its mandate without fear or favor, as it is legally in place and shall remain impartial. The committee will commence its sittings as soon as possible and will invite Governor Waiguru to defend herself and the County Assembly to prosecute its case.
The County Assembly has accused Governor Waiguru of gross violation of the Constitution and abuse of office, as well as gross misconduct. The Assembly will present its case before the committee on Tuesday, while Governor Waiguru will appear before the committee on Wednesday. The Assembly will then make its closing remarks on Wednesday after the Governor.
The committee will then do a report and present it to the Senate within 10 days of its constitution. If the committee finds that the charges against the Governor have been substantiated, the Governor will be given another opportunity to defend herself before the Senators. If the committee finds the charges against the Governor not to have been substantiated, there shall be no further debate on the matter.
