An uproar ensued in the Senate on Tuesday, December 20, after nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba rose to oppose the impeachment motion against Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza.
Orwoba, a nominated senator, argued that women lacked proper representation in the committee, and two former governors were also appointed to investigate Mwangaza.
“Mr Speaker, I rise to oppose this motion simply because the matter that is at hand has many dynamics, and looking at the committee that has been put together, I do not think that the committee will meet the dynamics,
“The impeachment motion of this particular governor touches on a lot of gender issues, and when you look at this committee membership of 11, we only have three women," she lamented.
She thus demanded a fair representation of women in the committee largely dominated by Kenya Kwanza senators.
Orwoba further lamented that with Mwangaza already persecuted in the court of public opinion, the Senate should provide a platform where the embattled Meru county chief is given a fair hearing.
She equally raised her concerns over the credibility of the committee selected and the process of forming rules of procedure in debating the impeachment motion.
“The divergent views that are brought to the floor of the house by the plenary way of impeachment will not be exercised in the committee.
"We hoped for a Kamukunji, or some sought of collaboration, and Mr Speaker, I hate to be in this position because I support my party, but I am also a woman pushing for the two-third gender rule," Orwoba added.
Her remarks irked other senators, with the leader of the majority, Aaron Cheruiyot, raising a point of order.
“Mr Speaker, I need Senator Gloria to explain or cite a Standing Order indicating how a former governor should not serve in a committee.
“I need her to explain how these two senators being in the committee points that there's a general direction in which the committee is supposed to conduct its work," Senator Cheruiyot rebutted.
In the melee, Nandi senator, Samson Cherargei, threw a jab at his counterpart of Narok, Ledama Olekina, with the two shouting at each other.
Speaker Kingi intercepted and threatened to throw Cherargei out of the House.
The speaker recalled the Senate to debate the impeachment motion on Tuesday, December 20 and formed an 11-member committee to table a report within 10 days.
Among those selected to join the committee were senators Boni Khalwale (Kakamega), Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi) and Karungu Thang'wa (Kiambu).
