This archive report was first published on 13 July 2020.
Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu is set to face an impeachment motion in the County Assembly, with the assembly summoning her to appear on July 15, 2020, to respond to allegations contained in the motion.
The impeachment motion, which was set to be debated on Thursday, July 16, 2020, received a green light from the High Court after the Milimani court dismissed Ngilu’s application to stop the assembly from tabling and debating the motion.
According to a letter signed by Speaker George Ndoto, the governor has the option of appearing in person or being represented by her legal team, not exceeding two lawyers, due to space constraints at the assembly.
Justice Weldon Korir, sitting at Milimani High Court, quashed Ngilu’s application, stating that it lacked merit and did not meet the threshold required to grant her conservatory orders.
Ngilu had argued that the constitutional requirement of public participation was not met due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the judge ruled that legislative business cannot stall because of a disease beyond human control.
The impeachment motion requires the support of at least 36 MCAs out of 54 in the assembly to succeed, with the Wiper party holding the majority number and Ngilu’s Narc party having 12 MCAs.
