Senate sets up committee to probe Embu governor despite court order

By MOSES NJAGIH

NAIROBI, KENYA: Senate set up a committee which will now probe the allegations made against Embu Governor Martin Wambora, and make a recommendation on whether they meet the constitutional threshold to warrant a vote of his impeachment to be held by the House.

The fate of the embattled Governor will be largely determined by the eleven member committee, established Tuesday and which is expected within 10 days to return a verdict on whether there were substantial allegations made by the Embu County Assembly to warrant an impeachment vote on the Governor.

Despite the Governor obtaining court orders barring the Senate from proceeding with the impeachment process, the House formed the committee, without a mention from Speaker Ekwee Ethuro on any court decree to stop the process.

The Speaker directed that within the stipulated time the committee must deliver its recommendations to the House. He said that he will communicate via a gazette notice when the House, which is currently on recess, will reconvene to receive the committee’s report.

The historical process was kicked off when Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki moved the motion to form the committee, saying the matter touched on the roots of the core business of counties of protecting counties and county governments.

Kindiki, as did many other members, cautioned that the committee will be keenly watched on how they conduct their business, urging them to employ due diligence and avoid being swayed by other interests.

“This committee must make this house proud in how they conduct this historical process. They must not make Senate a laughing stock,” said the Tharaka Nithi Senate.

Kindiki said that the Senate must seize the opportunity and send a message that it will apply the law in protecting devolution.

“Whatever the decision that will be made, devolution must come out stronger from this process,” he said.

Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula, who was sworn in office during the special session yesterday following his victory in a by-election, emphasized the magnitude of the impeachment process at the senate, equating it to the famous removal of United States President Richard Nixon from office following the Watergate scandal.

“The committee must approach this matter with open mind and attitude,” he said.

Senators urged the committee, which starts the work today, to approach their duty without biases and prejudice and especially avoid being swayed by the ongoing supremacy battles between Senators and Governors.

“You must ignore any canvassing that is likely to come and contents in the media about those who will be commenting on the matter. The committee must deal with facts alone,” said Nyeri Senator Mutahi Kagwe.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba murkomen promised Wambora and his Deputy Dorothy Nditi -who the Embu Assembly also voted to remove from office – that they would be granted justice and a fair hearing before a decision is made.

Nominated Senator Janet Ong’era urged the committee to work overboard and avoid being swayed in their decisions by other interests.

“Like Caesar’s wife, this committee must be of men and women who are beyond reproach. They must remember that this is the House that protects devolution and work in the best interest of not only the electorate of Embu but all Kenyans,” said Ong’era.

Members of the committee are Murkomen, Kimani Wamatangi, Zipporah Kittony, Wilfred Lesan, Naisula Lesuuda, Peter Mositet, James Orengo, Boni Khalwale, Boy Juma Boy, Hargura Godana and Judith Sijeny.