Waititu Moves to Disrupt Swearing-in of Deputy

Ousted Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu on Thursday, January 30, filed an application under a certificate of urgency at the constitutional division of the High Court against his impeachment on Wednesday, January 29.

A report published by K24 Digital indicates that Waititu also sought conservatory orders revoking the Senate's move to impeach him with disregard to his ongoing graft case pending the hearing and determination.

Speaking to the news outlet, his lawyer Collins Kiprono, indicated that they filed the application at the High Court before heading to the magistrate’s court where the impeached governor’s corruption is up for mention and directions.

Ousted Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu (Left) at the constitutional division of the High Court on Thursday, January 30.

This is as preparations are underway to swear in his deputy James Nyoro as the Kiambu Governor. 

On Wednesday, January 29, the government move to gazette the swearing-in of Kiambu deputy governor James Nyoro to take over from Waititu, minutes after his impeachment.

However, this raised eyebrows among Kenyans and leaders who questioned the efficiency at which the government printer had moved to ensure Nyoro assumes the corner office at Kiambu county.

"This is a record-breaking Gazette Notice. Unbelievably efficient. We voted at 9.00 pm to impeach him by 9:10 pm already gazetted [sic]. Clearly it was predetermined," nominated Senator Millicent Omanga speculated.

The gazette notice officially announced that Waititu had been impeached by the Senate on grounds of gross violation of the constitution, the County Government Act, the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, and the Public Procurement and Disposal Act.

In the impeachment process at the Senate only twelve senators voted to save governor Waititu in power at the county.

The impeachment took place despite Waititu's plea to the senators in the hearing process that started on a special sitting from Tuesday, January 28.

Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu before the Senate on January 28, 2020.

Among the Senators who voted to save Waititu included Moses Wetangula(Bungoma), Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet),  Susan Kihika(Nakuru), John Kinyua(Laikipia), Samson Cherargei (Nandi) and Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho).

Others included Mithika Linturi(Meru), Hargura Godana (Marsabit), Andrew Langat (Bomet), Anwar Loitiptip (Lamu) and Mary Yone (Nominated).

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