Call for truce between Nyamira governor, MCAs as impeachment motion looms

National Assembly Majority Chief Whip Sylvanus Osoro (third left) after a meeting Nyamira MCAs at a Kisii hotel on Monday, September 25, 2023. Osoro called for dialogue ahead of the tabling of the impeachment motion against area governor Amos Nyaribo on Tuesday, 26 September 2023. [Eric Abuga, Standard]

National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro has called for a truce between Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo and MCAs.

Mr Osoro, on Monday, met the county assembly leadership at a Kisii hotel and called for a sit down to sort out the issues ahead of Tuesday, September 26, 2023, when the impeachment motion against the county boss is to be tabled.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Osoro said the MCAs had raised several issues that need to be addressed.

"They have signed the intended motion, and for sure they have the numbers. This means the governor will have to call his house to order. We are calling for positive engagement. They believe they have enough ground, but I encourage them to embrace dialogue at this stage," Osoro said.

"Let those in power not throw up their hands. They need to be accommodative. But even with that, we will continue pushing for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms," he said adding that leaders should continue to talk with each other.

Despite the talks, Osoro said those who had signed for the impeachment process have the numbers and have also raised genuine issues.

"We will advocate for dialogue. If it cannot be done on a round table, then the MCAs are free to proceed with their plans. It is important that those in power give chance to dialogue," he said.

Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo when he appeared before the County Public Accounts committee at KICC in Nairobi on September 21, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Bomanyatuta MCA Julius Mutwere called on Nyaribo to come down and appreciate the need to change his leadership tactics.

"We believe those spearheading the talks have gotten the reason why we are after impeaching the governor. We will table the motion. Above all, service delivery has been poor. The governor has failed to hold talks on how to improve service delivery," said Mutwere.

He said the MCAs were not willing to meet the governor. "The chief whip has the ability to unite the leaders from Gusii. We are ready to sit for dialogue if only the governor listens to us. All we need is good services delivered to the people who elected us."

Former Kitutu Masaba MP and ODM National Treasurer Timothy Bosire said the county has had deep-rooted issues touching on accountability and lack of unity.

"This is the moment of accountability. Let our leaders serve the people. All the money has been dispatched to the counties, the leaders should work by providing basic education and improved health services," said Bosire.

Ten years after devolution, Bosire said the county had not made major strides.

"Devolution was for the people. Let us make it work. Let them feel for their parents and children," he said.