The motion to impeach Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru yesterday took a new twist, with National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi being accused of shielding the CS.
The speaker, in a ruling that caused an uproar in the House, said the proposed motion by Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter did not meet the threshold for impeachment of a CS because the mover had not stated the specific grounds on which he wants Waiguru sent home.
He wants Keter to adhere to an earlier ruling, which requires that a member wishing to bring such a motion must prove that the person has violated specific articles of the Constitution and clearly demonstrate why the motion should get his approval.
He also invoked Article 1 of the standing orders which gives him wide ranging discretion guide on matters that are not clearly provided in the House procedures.
"The charges must define a gross violation. They must state with precision the articles of the Constitution that have been grossly violated. The notice must show a nexus between the person proposed for impeachment and the allegations made against them," said Muturi, making reference to Standing Order 66 (a) of House rules and Article 152 (6) of the Constitution.
The ruling was, however, met with furious exchanges between Jubilee and the Opposition, which is backing the motion.
Keter had earlier accused the Presidency of using the speaker to shield Waiguru, whom he wants impeached over graft claims.
"I want to categorically state here and now that due to the interference from the highest office of the Executive, Muturi has been a stumbling block to this motion and has orchestrated a move to intimidate MPs...," said Keter.
"This process of seeking to impeach the CS has met hurdles from the Executive and the Speaker's office," he said, an hour before the Speaker ruled that he was on a wild goose chase.
But Majority Leader Aden Duale supported the Speaker's ruling, arguing that the Standing Orders and the Constitution were clear on the threshold for the such a vote.
"A motion to impeach a CS must be accompanied by evidence." said Duale.
But Opposition legislators backed Keter. "This is an attempt by the Speaker to abet a wrong and gag the National Assembly. We found it curious that the ruling by the Speaker in which he set the threshold was done in an unsolicited manner. He was trying to block the motion," said Deputy Minority Leader, Jakoyo Midiwo.
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