CORD in new grounds against President Uhuru Kenyatta

The Opposition yesterday added three new grounds to its political armoury as it collects all political ammunition to use against President Uhuru Kenyatta in a planned motion to impeach him.

The new addition to the President's alleged violations is his decision to ignore a verdict of the National Assembly not to pay Sh1.4 billion to a ghost company which failed to deliver a Government project.

Then, the President said he had to pay so as to secure the sovereign bond in the US Market, but the MPs now say he ignored the will of the people as contained in a resolution of their elected leaders.

The MPs also want the President punished for what they claimed was the 'half-hearted' fight against corruption.

Uhuru's controversial redeployment of Grace Kaindi from her post as the Deputy Inspector General of Police to being ambassador is also part of the impeachment ammunition, as the MPs now say it was "interference with independent offices."

For strategy, the Opposition has formed a nine-member team to compile the sins that President Kenyatta has allegedly committed against the Constitution and laws of Kenya.

The team has senators James Orengo (Siaya), Johnstone Muthama (Machakos), Janet Ong'era (nominated) and Judith Sijeny (nominated).

Those of the National Assembly are John Mbadi (Suba), Peter Kaluma (Homa Bay Town), Eseli Simiyu (Tongaren), Tom Joseph Kajwang' (Ruaraka) and city lawyer Anthony Oluoch.

Judicial examination

ODM National Chairman John Mbadi (Suba), who is leading the impeachment process, said yesterday the strategy team was tasked with compiling all charges against Uhuru in a way that will withstand judicial examination.

"I am a politician. The lawyers have to look at it in such a way that it becomes a quasi-judicial process. Impeachment is not usual politics. It is like charging the President in a court of law," said Mr Mbadi in an interview with journalists at Parliament buildings.

Yesterday, the lawmakers began the process of collecting signatures to get the numbers required to kick the Head of State out of office and hand the reins of power to Deputy President William Ruto.

Minority Whip Thomas Mwadeghu (Wundanyi) and Nyando's Fred Outa are tasked with going round the august House lobbying MPs in order for the Opposition to get signatures of 117 MPs required to introduce the debate on the motion in the House.