DP William Ruto Saves Nakuru County Assembly Speaker From Impeachment

Deputy President William Ruto issued a directive to Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika to convince Members of the Nakuru County Assembly to withdraw a motion they had tabled to impeach Speaker Joel Kairo.

Reports indicate that Ruto issued the directive citing the political implications the speaker's impeachment would have on the party. 

Acknowledging the senator's help in rescuing him from impeachment, the Speaker noted: "Senator (Kihika) and two MPs played a major role in ensuring that I remain to serve as the speaker. I thank them."

[caption caption="Deputy President William Ruto and Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika"][/caption]

It is reported that the speaker was aided by Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama and his Nakuru Town East counterpart David Gikaria who waded into the leadership crisis in the county assembly.

According to an aide close to Senator Kihika, the legislator was keen to ensure that the motion was withdrawn as "she feared that the crisis might impact negatively on the 2018/2019 budget expected to be tabled before the assembly by June 30th. She also feared that it might put her on the spot due to political differences between her and Governor Lee Kinyanjui."

Additionally, it is alleged that the senator was concerned that her political adversaries might capitalise on the crisis to dimish her political influence in the assembly as she played a key role in ensuring that Speaker Kairo succeeded her at the assembly. 

The motion filed by Biashara Ward MCA Peter Nyaguthii, which had majority support was eventually withdrawn following the intervention by the lawmakers. 

Speaking on the impeachment, Governor Kinyanjui exclaimed: "I brokered the truce with the Senator because l think it is not the right thing to do especially at this time when the 2018/2019 budget process is underway. This period is critical and should be reserved for discussion of important matters about the budget."

DP Ruto on Tuesday also saved Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Beatrice Elachi from suspension following a motion that had been tabled at the assembly. 

A source close to the events told The Star that the DP told off Jubilee members asserting that the party has too many wars to fight and can therefore not be distracted by the assembly feuds.

[caption caption="Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui and Senator Susan Kihika"][/caption]

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