Court reinstates impeached Baringo deputy speaker

From left: Tiaty Member of Parliament William Kamket, lawyer Kipkoech Ng'etich and Baringo County Assembly Deputy Speaker Ameja Zelemoi at Kabarnet law court on Thursday. [Julius Chepkwony, Standard]

A High Court in Kabarnet has reinstated Baringo County Assembly Deputy Speaker Ameja Zelemoi who was impeached two days ago.

Justice Edward Muriithi issued the orders following a petition filed by Mr Zelemoi challenging his ouster.

The judge effectively stopped the appointment of Jacob Cheboiwo as the new deputy speaker.

Zelemoi through Lawyer Kipkoech Ng’etich termed the impeachment as illegal as it failed to follow due process.

He pointed out that no voting took place and that he was not served with the allegations levelled against him as required by the Standing Orders.

In the petition, Zelemoi noted that since there was no vote taken during the impeachment process, it was difficult to ascertain the number of members who voted to remove him from office.

He noted that the removal was also against the County Government Act.

The petition further stated there 75 per cent of the MCAs were not present in the house at the time of removal.

36 out of 48 MCAs allegedly signed in support of the motion

Zelemoi was accused of misuse of vehicles and assault charges.

As per the Notice of Motion to impeach him, tabled before the house on March 17, he was accused of gross misconduct.

The motion was filed by Majority leader Lawi Kipchumba.

The petition will be heard inter-party on March 26, 2020.