This archive report was first published on 28 August 2019.
On July 4, 2019, a public meeting was held in Elburgon to discuss the increased sale and consumption of illicit brew. However, the event took an unexpected turn when MP Kuria Kimani, who was invited to speak, showed up looking drunk and reportedly staggered to the podium.
According to a petition filed with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on August 23, 2019, five petitioners - Robert Njenga, Vincent Tanui, David Kibe, Samuel Mwangi, and Masese Kemunche - claim that Kimani's behavior was a clear violation of Chapter Six of the Constitution on integrity and ethics.
The petitioners are seeking to recall Kimani as an MP, citing his alleged misconduct and failure to uphold the law. Under the Elections Act, 2011, an MP can only be recalled at least 24 months after election and not later than 12 months immediately preceding the next general elections.
The petitioners must also gather the support of at least 30 per cent of registered voters in the constituency and 15 per cent in every ward in the constituency. They are also seeking to have the Molo parliamentary seat declared vacant and for Kimani to be barred from holding any other public office.
As the petitioners move forward with their bid to recall Kimani, the MP's future in the National Assembly hangs in the balance.
