This archive report was first published on 23 June 2020.
Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu's political survival hangs in the balance as the Majority Leader in the County Assembly has submitted an impeachment motion to the speaker of the assembly.
According to a newspaper notice, the Kitui County Assembly will convene on Monday, June 29, to debate Governor Ngilu's ouster. The notice, which appeared in a local daily, informed the public of the upcoming debate and asked members to weigh in on the matter through filled and signed questionnaires and written memoranda before Friday, June 26.
The impeachment motion, drafted by Athi Ward Representative Peter Kilonzo alias Tangawizi, accuses Governor Ngilu of violating the Constitution, abusing her office, and gross misconduct. The motion claims that Governor Ngilu was summoned to appear before the Senate Committee on County Public Investment and Accounts (CPIAC) to shed light on audit queries over management of the county funds and expenditure for the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 financial years, cumulatively amounting to approximately Ksh20 million.
Other accusations include Governor Ngilu's failure to account for the said expenditure as required, violating article 201 (a) of the Constitution, and eroding public confidence in the integrity of the office holder. The motion also accuses Governor Ngilu of failing to comply with the two-third gender rule in appointments, violating people's right to health, and conflict of interest in the purchase of a stationary stone crusher plant.
On November 29, 2019, Governor Ngilu appeared before the CPIAC and failed to give a satisfactory response to the audit queries, resulting in a fine of Sh500,000.
