Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu survives impeachment bid as motion is withdrawn

Governor Joshua Irungu. Impeachment motion against him was withdrawn.

Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu on Thursday survived an impeachment motion after the mover sought to defer it.

Umande ward Member of County Assembly Mwangi Maruge shocked the house when he said he was waiting for a crucial document that allegedly incriminates the governor.

He said the document was crucial for his motion. There was disquiet among those opposing and supporting the motion with the latter calling on Speaker Patrick Mariru to let Maruge continue with the motion.

But the Speaker in his ruling, said the motion stood withdrawn as seven days after the notice had elapsed. This means the matter can only go back to the house after six months.

The Speaker, while making the ruling on deferring the motion, noted that the standing orders clearly stated that a notice of motion of impeachment once issued, takes seven days and thereafter put on the order paper and is supposed to be disposed within three days.

He said the motion was rightfully in the floor of the house after the seven days elapsed on Wednesday but there is nowhere in the law where a motion is deferred but instead it is termed as withdrawn.

Violation of law

He termed the motion by Maruge as withdrawn and directed that the motion can find its way back in the house but has to start from the first step.

Earlier, the Speaker had read a statement that confirmed the governor had sent packing two of his executive members and a chief officer on what he termed as non-performance.

This even came as two nominated MCA's Catherine Waruguru and Ol Moran ward's Dan Ndegwa claimed that their lives were in danger and after receiving threats on their lives if the motion did not pass.

Earlier during the day, youth carrying placards in support of the governor held demonstrations at the assembly entrance but were put at bay by anti riot police.

In the motion, Irungu is being accused of gross misconduct, abuse of office and gross violation of the law.

The governor has however defended himself against the accusations and blamed his opponents, who he says are envious of his development record.

"These are my political opponents fighting me but I assure you the truth will always prevail. I urge the people of Laikipia to ignore these people and join me in developing the area," he said.