Governor Kinyanjui in trouble over CEC

Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui addresses the press at his office in Nakuru. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui’s decision to retain and transfer a county executive committee member despite her being impeached has landed him in trouble.

A civil rights group has filed a petition at the county Assembly requesting MCAs to begin interrogating the conduct of Mr Kinyanjui in light of his action of ignoring a resolution by a majority members.

Two weeks ago, former Roads and Infrastructure Executive Lucy Kariuki was impeached over allegations of gross misconduct by a majority vote of 49 against 21 members.

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On July 16, House Clerk Joseph Malinda wrote to the Executive on the resolution to kick her out of office, but Ms Kariuki had already moved to department of Youth, Gender, Culture and Social Service where she is currently working.

Nakuru County Accountability Forum headed by Simon ole Nasieku said the governor has violated the Constitution and wants the ward reps to begin the process of removing him from office.

Nasieku in a petition that was received by the clerk on July 20, said by not implementing the decision of the county Assembly, Kinyanjui should be cited for abuse of office or gross misconduct.

“It is wrong for the governor to ignore the decision of the county assembly and try to defeat justice by transferring Eng Kariuki to another department. He is setting a very bad example across all the 47 counties,” said Steve Gatukia, a member of the forum.

 According to lawyer Christine Wangeci, the process of impeaching the governor is rigorous and takes time.