Senate forms team to probe impeachment Embu Governor Martin Wambora

By MOSES NJAGIH

The Senate has set up a committee which will now probe the allegations made against Embu Governor Martin Wambora and determine whether they warrant his impeachment.

The fate of the embattled governor will be largely determined by the 11-member committee, established yesterday and which is expected within 10 days to return a verdict on whether the Embu County Assembly made substantial allegations.

Despite the governor obtaining court orders barring the Senate from proceeding with the 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 he would communicate via a gazette notice when the House, which is currently on recess, would 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 protecting counties and county governments.

Kindiki, as did many other members, cautioned that the committee would be keenly watched on how they conduct their business, asking 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 senator.

Kindiki said that the Senate must seize the opportunity and send a message that it will apply the law in protecting devolution. “Devolution must come out stronger from this process,” he said.

Fair hearing

Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula, emphasised the magnitude of the impeachment process at the Senate, equating it to the famous removal of US President Richard Nixon from office following the Watergate scandal.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen promised Wambora and his deputy Dorothy Muchungu a fair hearing.

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.