Martin Wambora fights off claims cited for his removal

By MUNENE KAMAU

Kenya: Impeached Embu Governor Martin Wambora Tuesday fought off allegations of gross violation of the Constitution that had been cited by the Senate for his removal from office.

Through his lead lawyer Paul Muite, Mr Wambora told the court that even the claims of abuse of office cited by the County Assembly of Embu were unsubstantiated.

Mr Muite told the court the assembly merely brought in some trumped up charges against Wambora and did not accord him an opportunity to defend himself.

He told a three-judge bench that his client was neither the accounting nor procurement officer to have been held accountable for the alleged shortcomings that arose in the purchase of the Sh3 million maize seeds and the renovation of the Embu stadium.

His accusers

Muite submitted that it was the duty of the interim county secretary appointed by the Transition Authority (TA), who was the accounting officer and not Wambora as claimed by his accusers in the County Assembly.

He said Wambora could not have sacked the county secretary over the alleged malpractice as she obtained a court injunction.

Wambora has moved to court seeking to overturn a decision by the Embu County Assembly and the Senate to uphold his impeachment after he was allegedly found guilty of abuse of office.

The historic case is before Lady Justices Hedwig Ong’udi and Cecilia Githua and Justice Boaz Olao.

Hearing resumes this morning with the County Assembly lawyer expected to make his submission.