This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
On June 26, 2020, the Senate made a crucial decision that would change the course of Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru's political career. A special committee formed to investigate impeachment charges against her cleared her of culpability, but found her guilty of adopting a domineering attitude in the management of county affairs.
The committee, chaired by Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, found that while Waiguru was guilty of adopting a condescending attitude towards the county assembly, it did not amount to an impeachable offense. The committee also found that the allegation of conferring a personal benefit was proved, but did not amount to an impeachable offense.
However, the committee assailed the county assembly for listing twelve imprests paid to the governor and alleging that she was issued with imprest but never travelled or surrendered. The committee observed that accounting officers must adhere to the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, which requires imprests to be surrendered within seven days and in the event of delay, the refund should be made with interest.
The committee recommended that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission investigates some of the allegations and take appropriate action within sixty days and report to the Senate on action taken. The committee also noted that the impeachment process is not a panacea for all incidents of maladministration or criminal conduct.
