UPDATE
A section of Kiambu leaders moved to the Kiambu Law Courts to question the delay in the arrival of Justice John Oyiengo who was scheduled to officiate the swearing-in of Kiambu deputy governor James Nyoro.
According to the Nation, the leaders who included Kiambu Woman representative Gathoni Wamuchomba, Senator Isaac Mwaura, other leaders walked to the Courts after the delay that led to the postponement of the event.
The judiciary, however, indicated that the event would take place on another day due to unavoidable circumstances.
The much-awaited swearing-in of Kiambu Deputy Governor James Nyoro as Kiambu County Governor on Thursday, January 30, was abruptly postponed in unclear circumstances with the judge set to officiate the event failing to show up.
In a report published by Citizen Digital, the Judiciary gave a statement that indicated that another date would be set for the event that followed the impeachment of Ferdinand Waitituby the Senate.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused,” read the Judiciary statement as quoted by Citizen Digital.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, a reporter on the ground indicated that the event failed to take place despite a high turnout of Kiambu residents.
"The residents were here in large numbers from early morning. Some of them didn't even know that the swearing-in ceremony was to happen," remarked the journalist.
The event that was to happen was also graced by leaders from Kiambu and from other counties most noticeable being nominated MP Maina Kamanda, Kiambu woman representative Gathoni Wa Muchomba and nominated senator Isaac Mwaura.
"The leaders were here to show solidarity with the de facto governor for Kiambu county. Members of county assembly aligned to the deputy governor were also present during the event," added the journalist.
According to K24 Digital, Kiambu County Speaker Stephen Ndichu stated that they held discussions with Justice John Onyiego, who had been dispatched by the Judiciary to swear-in Nyoro, and decided to seek an advisory opinion from the Attorney-General (AG).
The speaker also indicated that the AG wrote back telling them that it is lawful swear-in Nyoro but since the ceremony must be held between 10 am and 2 pm, they would seek an alternative date.
On December 19, 2019, the Kiambu county assembly passed a motion to impeach the embattled governor in a highly controversial vote exercise that Waititu termed as a move that went against the law.
The impeachment process was tabled against Waititu on grounds of mishandling of county funds.
In the unanimous vote, 57 MCAs voted to impeach the governor with only one member voting against the motion.
The motion to impeach Waititu was brought in the assembly December 3,2019, by Ndenderu MCA Solomon Kinuthia who had for long been an ardent critic to Waititu.
In the submission by Kinuthia, Waititu went against the set regulations and breached the public procurement and disposal act by personally influencing the award of high enriching tenders to companies associated with his close family members .
In the petition, the ousted governor was also accused of recruiting over 600 casuals without the proper procedure where the County Public Service Board wasn't involved.
