Nyamira Governor Amos Kimwomi Nyaribo is facing a fresh battle for his political survival after Members of the County Assembly on Tuesday voted to impeach him, paving the way for Senate hearings that will determine whether he remains in office.
During a special sitting in Nyamira, 23 out of 32 MCAs supported the motion seeking his removal, surpassing the constitutional threshold required to send the matter to the Senate. The motion was tabled by Bonyamatuta Ward MCA Julius Matwere, who accused the governor of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and making irregular appointments. MCAs also faulted him for allegedly running county affairs through informal “Bunge Mashinani” meetings which they claimed were used to make decisions outside formal government structures.
The impeachment marks the third attempt to remove Mr Nyaribo from office in two years, following two earlier efforts that collapsed after failing to muster the required numbers. The latest vote comes amid deepening divisions in the county assembly, with rival political camps frequently holding separate sessions and issuing conflicting resolutions.
Governor Nyaribo has previously dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and linked to widening rifts in Nyamira’s leadership. His administration is also under scrutiny from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission over an alleged irregular tender worth more than Sh380 million, a matter that has intensified pressure on his government.
Following Tuesday’s vote, the governor is now expected in Nairobi where the Senate will examine the charges levelled against him. Senators may either uphold the impeachment—leading to his removal from office—or overturn it, allowing him to remain in his position.
The Senate is expected to announce the timelines for the hearings in the coming days.
