This archive report was first published on 28 June 2020.
Kitui County Assembly's plans to impeach Governor Charity Ngilu have hit a roadblock after the High Court issued orders halting the ouster bid on June 28, 2020.
On June 24, 2020, Governor Ngilu moved to court to stop the county assembly from tabling and debating the impeachment motion filed by Athi Ward Representative Peter Kilonzo, who is also the Majority Leader.
The motion accused Governor Ngilu of gross violation of the Constitution and the County Government Act, including failing to honour Senate summons and the two-third gender rule in appointments.
Other allegations against the governor include violating the constitutional right to health of the Kitui people, conflict of interest, and abuse of office over the purchase of a stone crusher plant and irregular hiring of the country secretary.
However, through her lawyers, Morris Kimuli and Martin Oloo, Governor Ngilu received a reprieve after the High Court temporarily halted the assembly from tabling the motion.
Her lawyers warned that proponents of the impeachment motion risk jail for contempt of a court order if they opt to continue with the ouster motion.
Despite this, the Assembly announced that it would obey the court orders and put off the oyster debate until the matter is resolved.
As lawmakers and law-abiding citizens, it’s only prudent for us to follow the law. But the governor should rest assured that her impeachment will proceed as planned once the court matter is concluded,” declared Kilonzo.
