This archive report was first published on 13 July 2020.
Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu is facing a tough time ahead as she prepares to appear before the Kitui County Assembly on July 15 to respond to allegations of violating the Constitution and provisions of the County Government Act.
The impeachment motion against Ngilu was forwarded to her on June 23, and she has been given a chance to respond to the allegations. In a notification letter dated July 9, Kitui County Assembly Speaker George Ndotto informed Ngilu that the motion would be considered by the County Assembly between July 15 and 17.
Ngilu had argued that the constitutional requirement of public participation was not met due to the outbreak of coronavirus. However, the High Court ruled in favor of the Kitui MCAs, stating that legislative business cannot stall due to a disease beyond human control.
Kitui County Assembly Majority Leader Peter Kilonzo, backed by 40 out of 56 MCAs, wants Ngilu ousted on allegations of violating the Constitution, abuse of office, and failure to account for public funds. The MCAs also accuse Ngilu of undermining the authority of the County Assembly and conflict of interest in awarding county tenders.
Ngilu is also accused of failing to honour summons of the Senate Committee on County Public Investment and Accounts to shed light on audit queries regarding the management and expenditure of county funds amounting to Sh20 billion for 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 financial years.
Furthermore, the MCAs accuse Ngilu of conflict of interest and abuse of office in the purchase of a stationary stone crusher valued at Sh85 million, which was awarded to her relative through single sourcing.
