Nyaribo undeterred after ouster attempt falls flat

Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo. [File, Standard]

Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo makes up for realism.

One who speaks his mind, Governor Nyaribo had maintained the allegations that led to his impeachment motion were politically castigated.

On Tuesday, 16 members voted in support of the motion failing to meet the required threshold of at least two-thirds for the impeachment to proceed.

The Assembly has 20 elected MCAs and 15 nominated, with the majority(UPA) having six members, followed by ODM with four members, Jubilee with two members, and Ford Kenya with two members.

As the impeachment motion was tabled at the County Assembly, Nyaribo stood his ground, saying the law was being weaponised to punish Governors.

He stood by the words of Isaiah 53:7: "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth, he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers are dumb, so he opened not his mouth."

A day after his impeachment motion flopped, Nyaribo returned to his office, perhaps reenergised, this time a round having a sitting with doctors.

Here, he was determined to end a 10-day industrial action that had been called by Kenya Medical Practioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU).

The doctors had raised concerns regarding welfare matters, including promotions, confirmation, and the availability of medicine in health facilities.

The Governor said: "In a positive move, tomorrow (yesterday), we will flag off medicine to be distributed to various health facilities in Nyamira County."

Nyaribo said he firmly believes in fostering a harmonious and collaborative working relationship between the Executive and the County Assembly.

"This relationship is crucial in ensuring effective fulfilment of our respective duties and responsibilities for the benefit of the residents of Nyamira."

He assured the electorates that his administration remains committed to service delivery and will not be distracted from serving them.

Speaking yesterday at Ekerenyo Sub County, Nyaribo said he will not be distracted by his political opponents, some of whom he said vied against him in 2022 and lost on the ballot.

He called on the MCAs to focus on their legislative role and always remember the people who voted them to office.

"The impeachment process directly affects the people. I was overwhelmingly elected by our people. I was not shaken by the motion because some of the matters raised are still active in court and others had been dealt with by the Senate. The detractors only want to serve their selfish gains."

Other than focusing on improving health services, he is also keen on improving the road network in the county in partnership with Kenya Urban Roads Authority.

The county is also in partnership with the University of Nairobi, which will see them engage in joint resource mobilisation and promote collaboration in writing development proposals.

Speaker Enock Okero said the efforts by each MCA and their democratic right on the floor of the House, the peaceful voting process and the outcome, thereon, only demonstrated that divergent views are appreciated.

"May this outcome build a stronger team within the confines of the Assembly. I vow to continue acting independently to ensure we deliver our mandate as enshrined in the Constitution, the County Assembly Act and other legislations."