Nyeri leaders express mixed feelings on Senate verdict

Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua celebrates with his supporters at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi when the Senate voted to save him against an impeachment motion. [Photo: Moses Omusula/Standard]

The Senate's decision to revoke Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua's impeachment has drawn mixed reactions from local leaders in the county.

Nyeri MP Priscillah Nyokabi said the Senate ignored proven charges against the governor.

"The governor and the county government have heard loud and clear the issues that brought them to the impeachment motion," she said.

Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando voiced support for the MCAs' decision to impeach Mr Gachagua, saying they submitted legitimate and grave concerns.

"Senators raised serious questions on the financial improprieties but their decision was inconsistent with the evidence because they sympathised with the accused," he noted.

Mathira MP Peter Weru said the Senate's decision was disappointing and set a bad precedence.

"Despite the fact that Gachagua has made the county ungovernable, they chose to let him off the hook," he said.

Kieni MP Kanini Kega described the Senate's decision as a great injustice for the people of Nyeri.

"I think they did this because of personal preservation, because they are eyeing these seats," he said.

The mover of the impeachment motion, Mathari Ward MCA Baragu Mutahi, said the County Assembly had no choice but to accept the Senate's decision.

"We have no choice but to continue fighting for changes in the Gachagua administration,"  he said.

Majority Leader Duncan Gituanja said the MCAs had been vindicated because they had a chance to articulate the problems facing the county.

"The truth came out clearly and the hearings proved that the impeachment motion was not a malicious move by MCAs," he said.

However, leaders in support of Gachagua welcomed the Senate's verdict. Mukurweini West MCA Bernard Mubea said the decision was justified.

"My concern is service delivery to the people. These wrangles are not helping anyone because the Senate has proved that Gachagua was innocent," he said.

Nyeri politician Ngunjiri Wambugu said the Senate's decision was in the best interests of the county.