This archive report was first published on 27 October 2019.
On October 25, 2019, the Senate found all the allegations made by the MCAs against Governor Granton Samboja not sufficiently substantiated, dismissing the impeachment motion.
Majority Leader Jason Tuja said they respected the verdict of the Senate, stating, “What is important is the electorate that elected us. Nobody is the winner or loser in this verdict,”
The Senate select committee chaired by Embu Senator Njeru Ndwiga recommended that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) investigate the issues raised by the MCAs on irregular purchases and failure by the governor's administration to remit statutory deductions to the relevant state organs.
County Assembly Deputy Majority Leader Haris Keke had tabled the impeachment motion a fortnight ago, with all 30 MCAs present out of 33 voting to impeach Samboja.
However, the governor is not off the hook yet, as the Senate's decision has given the county the opportunity to revive mediation talks to resolve the budget impasse.
Taita Taveta Senator Jones Mwaruma said he was impartial on the issue, contrary to claims by the MCAs who accused him of shielding the governor for selfish interests.
Mediation talks are set to resume, with the Senate select committee recommending a mediation process to be spearheaded by the Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations Committee.
