Embattled Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has been afforded a lifeline to counter his ouster as reported by Daily Nation on Tuesday, February 25.
This is after County Assembly Speaker Beatrice Elachi gave Sonko until Monday, March 2, for Sonko to present his defence against the impeachment motion tabled on Thursday, February 20.
The motion to oust Sonko was tabled by Makongeni MCA Peter Imwatok, a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) despite opposition from MCAs allied to Sonko.
Grounds of impeachment cited by Imwatok included 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 bills.
He also accused the Nairobi governor of exhibiting incompetence and failing to offer leadership.
Sonko had been further criticised for what was termed as holding the county at ransom and having ulterior motives by willingly failing to nominate a deputy governor.
Prior to nominating Ann Kananu Mwenda on January 7, Sonko had ruled for over two years without a deputy since the surprise resignation of Polycarp Igathe in January 2018.
When the impeachment motion was first tabled, Elachi tried to restore order as MCAs who were for and against the ouster 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 begun collecting signatures in support of the motion on Wednesday, February 19.
