This archive report was first published on 29 June 2020.
As the country battles the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council of Governors (CoG) has urged County Assemblies to prioritize the fight against the virus over impeachment plans against Governors.
CoG Chairman Wycliffe Oparanya, who is also the Kakamega Governor, expressed concern that resources being channeled into impeachment proceedings could be better utilized in the fight against COVID-19.
“I want to urge Members of the County Assemblies to restrain themselves in such a time and use these little resources that are now being used on impeachment to actually fight COVID-19,” Oparanya said.
His appeal comes as the Senate overturned a decision by Kirinyaga MCAs to send home Governor Anne Waiguru over allegations of abuse of office, recommending further investigations instead.
Meanwhile, Kitui MCAs are planning to impeach Governor Charity Ngilu, who has obtained a court order barring them from tabling or debating the motion.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has emphasized the importance of counties' preparedness in responding to COVID-19 infections, with all counties required to confirm a minimum of 300-bed isolation capacity to accommodate critical cases.
Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has underscored the need for county governments to work closely with the national government in mitigating the effects of the pandemic.
