The political heat in Kitui County Assembly has hit boiling point after 31 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) signed a motion to impeach Speaker Hon. Kevin Katisya Kinengo.
Documents tabled by Matinyani MCA Sylvester Kitheka Munyalo, alias Yaaamu, and which Channel 15 News is in possession of, accuse the Speaker of gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office, incompetence, and violation of other laws. The impeachment notice, dated 22nd September 2025 and officially received by the Assembly Clerk on 23rd September 2025, marks the strongest challenge to Kinengo’s leadership since his election in 2022.
According to the documents, Speaker Kinengo is accused of manipulating House leadership by installing his preferred Majority Leader and Whip, while blocking changes approved by his party. He is also accused of ignoring court orders and party directives, instead pursuing partisan battles through the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) and the High Court. The Speaker is further alleged to have abandoned the neutrality expected of him, actively weakening the functioning of the Assembly, and demonstrating incompetence and abuse of office that undermines the integrity of the office.
The motion cites Article 73(1)(a) of the Constitution, which provides that state officers must exercise authority as a public trust with integrity, respect, and honour. Under the Kenyan Constitution (2010), the County Governments Act (2012), and the Standing Orders of County Assemblies, a Speaker may be removed for gross violation of the Constitution or any other law, abuse of office or gross misconduct, incompetence or incapacity to perform duties, or breach of Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity.
The law requires that at least one-third of MCAs support the notice of motion in writing, and at least two-thirds must vote in favour during the plenary debate for the Speaker to be removed. With 31 signatures already secured, the Kitui motion has crossed the first threshold and is now set for debate on the Assembly floor.
Hon. Kinengo, who emerged as a compromise candidate during the divisive 2022 Speaker elections, has faced growing criticism over his handling of Assembly wrangles. His possible ouster would trigger a fresh election for a new Speaker and could shift political alliances in Kitui. If the impeachment motion succeeds, it will mark a dramatic realignment in the Assembly’s leadership and send shockwaves through Kitui’s political landscape.
📌 Channel 15 News will provide live updates on the impeachment proceedings as the battle for Speaker Kinengo’s seat unfolds.
