As members of the Turkana County Assembly were gearing up for the tabling of an impeachment motion against their Speaker, Christopher Nakuleu, events took an unexpected turn on Tuesday when he tendered his resignation letter, citing multiple violations.
In a letter seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the Speaker informed the Clerk of the County Assembly that he was resigning after careful consideration of multiple factors.
"I am writing to formally resign from my position as the Speaker of the County Assembly of Turkana, effective today, 25 February 2025," read part of Nakuleu’s letter.
"It has been an honour to serve in this role and to contribute to the important work of the Assembly. I have gained invaluable experiences and forged meaningful connections during my tenure. This decision comes after careful consideration of my personal and professional objectives."
However, while addressing a press briefing after submitting the resignation letter, Nakuleu cited political frustrations stating that the oversight role of the assembly had been compromised.
He accused the Governor of Turkana County, Jeremiah Lomorukai, of not allowing the Assembly the space to fulfil its mandate.
''The oversight role of this county has seriously been compromised that is why you have seen serious altercations between members of the county assembly and the Governor on the basis of not accepting to be oversighted,'' Nakuleu added.
"The Governor wants to usurp the oversight role alongside the Executive role, which is unconstitutional. In this regard, I have stood firm that he needs to accept being overseen, as he is appropriating money on behalf of the people of Turkana."
Nakuleu further insisted that he was resigning to allow the Assembly to find an alternative leader who could ensure that the County Governor delivers for the people of Turkana.
"I feel that I should cede space in the County Assembly so it can fully check the Governor and ensure that he delivers for the people of Turkana. There are things I could not criticise the Governor on," he added.
Before his resignation, the Turkana County Assembly had summoned Nakuleu to appear before it on Monday ahead of his scheduled impeachment.
Before assuming the role of Speaker, Nakuleu served as the Member of Parliament for Turkana North until he was defeated in the 2022 General Election.
