Sonko’s impeachment takes centre stage in Kabaka burial

Mike Sonko during the funeral of Machakos Senator Boniface Kabaka [Mike Sonko/Facebook]

Machakos Senator Boniface Mutinda Kabaka was on Tuesday buried at his home in Mikuyu village, Masinga Sub-County, but a number of speeches circled around former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko’s impeachment and the ‘Deep State.’

Although the clergy had requested those in attendance to steer clear of politics as a sign of respect to the family, some Senators in attendance used the opportunity to open up on how the House was arm-twisted to impeach Sonko.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen said what befell Sonko was no surprise as the same axe was wielded on Nakuru senator Susan Kihika, former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and immediate former National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale.

“I am saying this with utmost respect…James Orengo once told me that the government eats its own people...but he never said he is the one carrying the knife.

Senator Kipchuma Murkomen during the impeachment debate of Nairobi governor Mike Sonko. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

“The handshake has come to legitimise illegitimate behaviours in government,” he said.

Murkomen further told Sonko that he was not impeached because he is incompetent but because he stood firm for the things he believed in.

“Those of us who stood with you did not do so because of your political stand…we stood with you in principle because devolution is in danger,” he said.

Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina also weighed in on the matter saying he voted against Sonko’s impeachment because he (Sonko) fought for the Maasai community when some of them were evicted from Embakasi.

“It would have been shameful had I opted not to stand with him,” he said.

Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga, on her part, claimed the late Kabaka had asked the Senate not to impeach Sonko especially after Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru’s name was cleared.

Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina during the burial of Senator Boniface Kabaka [Courtesy]

“Kabaka was addressing Kirinyaga senator Charles Kibiru and told him, “If you sanitized Waiguru then you ought to clear Sonko’s name,” she said.

Adding: “Due to the system and deep state, most of us (senators) get orders from above…that is why we impeached Sonko. Not because he had done any wrongs but because of dirty politics.”