Nyamira MCA tables motion to impeach Governor Amos Nyaribo over misconduct

Nyamira Member of the County Assembly (MCA) Evan Juma has tabled a motion in the County Assembly seeking the impeachment of Governor Amos Nyaribo.

In a notice dated September 10, 2024, Juma accused the governor of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violating the Constitution of Kenya.

“Notice of Motion to consider debate and approve the removal of Amos Kimwomi Nyaribo, the Governor of Nyamira County, from office by way of impeachment on the following grounds: Gross violation of the Constitution of Kenya and other laws, and abuse of office and gross misconduct,” reads the notice.

This is the second impeachment motion filed against the Governor. In October 2023, he survived a similar attempt after a motion seeking his removal was defeated in the County Assembly.

Despite facing 12 charges, including flagging off empty containers disguised as medical supplies, illegal staff recruitment, and disobeying court orders, Nyaribo managed to secure the support of 18 MCAs, against 16 who were in favour of the motion.

The impeachment required 23 votes to meet the constitutional threshold.

The 2023 impeachment effort was significantly influenced by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) party, which issued a directive to all its members to oppose the motion.

The party's Secretary-General, Jacob Bagaka, warned that any MCA who supported the governor’s ouster would risk losing their membership.

“The party hereby directs all UPA members of the Nyamira County Assembly to oppose and/or shoot down the motion for the removal of Amos Kimwomi Nyaribo, the Governor of Nyamira County,” Bagaka said then.

Following the failed attempt in 2023, Governor Nyaribo expressed relief, stating that the fall of the motion was a victory for the people of Nyamira, who had been on the verge of political captivity.

He said the impeachment push was driven by election losers derailing his development agenda.

“This is a win for Nyamira County and the people who had the faith of electing me to office. Those driving the agenda were agents of self-seeking politicians who are dying to see the county fail,” Nyaribo said.

The governor added that his next priority would be to unify the two opposing sides of the County Assembly to foster cooperation and focus on initiatives that would benefit Nyamira through collaborative efforts.

But in August 2024, a group of Nyamira residents filed a petition to have the entire devolved unit in the county disbanded.

The residents argued that the county government had failed to deliver services, accusing Nyaribo of drawing a hefty Sh6.5 million monthly salary. However, Nyaribo defended the figure, explaining that it included arrears from his time as deputy governor.

Nyaribo ascended to office almost four years ago following the death of the late Governor John Nyangarama on December 18, 2020.

He was then sworn in as acting governor for the remainder of the term, as per the Constitution. He successfully defended his seat in the 2022 elections.