Sonko Impeachment Process Kicks Off [VIDEO]

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko before the Milimani anti-corruption court on February 18, 2020.
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko when he appeared before the Milimani Anti-Corruption court on February 18, 2020.
Daily Nation

Embattled Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko's woes piled up on Thursday, February 20 after an impeachment motion against him was tabled in the Nairobi County Assembly.

The motion was tabled by Makongeni MCA Peter Imwatok, a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), amidst loud opposition from MCAs allied to Sonko.

Grounds of impeachment cited by Imwatok include alleged gross violation of the constitution and the Public Finance Act 2012 as well as inability to control and manage public debts and clear pending expenses.

Imwatok's motion accused Sonko of exhibiting incompetence and failing to offer leadership.

Makongeni MCA Peter Imwatok speaks to reporters in Nairobi in January 2020
Makongeni MCA Peter Imwatok speaks to reporters in Nairobi in January 2020
Daily Nation

Sonko was further accused of holding the county at ransom and having ulterior motives by willingly failing to nominate a Deputy Governor.

Before he nominated Ann Kananu Mwenda on January 7, Sonko had stayed over two years without a Deputy since the surprise resignation of Polycarp Igathe in January 2018.

Speaker Beatrice Elachi scrambled to restore order as the MCAs for and against the motion engaged in a shouting match during the sitting.

“This will not be a house of shouting. It will be a house where we use the rule of law,” she reiterated. 

The MCAs had began collecting signatures in support of the motion on Wednesday, February 19.

Sonko had reportedly organized a meeting with Jubilee Party ward representatives in a bid to stop the motion fronted by ODM MCAs.

According to Nation, the meeting held at the Governor's private office at Upper Hill, Nairobi on the morning of February 19 was attended by more than 50 MCAs.

“We (Jubilee MCAs) are at Upper Hill with the governor. The governor called for a meeting before the plenary. We are here to discuss the issue of the coming notice of motion on the impeachment of Governor Sonko,” Roysambu MCA Peter Warutere confirmed.

Inside the Nairobi County Assembly chambers
Inside the Nairobi County Assembly chambers
Capital Group