This archive report was first published on 25 December 2019.
Nairobi County Speaker Beatrice Elachi is facing corruption allegations, with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) launching an investigation into her actions.
According to a letter from EACC Chief Executive Twalib Mbarak, the speaker is accused of irregularly constituting the County Public Service Board in October, leading to the unprocedural ejection of Clerk Jacob Ngwele.
The EACC also alleges that Elachi appointed Monica Muthami as acting assembly clerk, despite a court order suspending her from performing the duties of an authorised officer.
Elachi has been given a week's ultimatum to respond to the allegations, but she has not commented on the matter.
The investigation comes as the leadership crisis in Nairobi County continues, with Governor Mike Sonko facing graft charges and barred from office.
As one strategy to resolve the leadership crisis, there were reports of a push to impeach Sonko and have Elachi act for 60 days as fresh elections are held.
However, if Elachi were to be prosecuted and required to step aside, that would make the leadership vacuum worse.
