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Kerrow to lead Senate team on Iria impeachment

MWANGI-WA-IRIANAIROBI, Kenya Oct 26 – Mandera County Senator Billow Kerrow has been nominated by the House Business Committee to chair a Special Senate Committee to probe allegations that led to last Wednesday’s impeachment of Murang’a County Governor Mwangi wa Iria.

Senate Majority Leader Kindiki Kithure said he will present the motion for adoption on Tuesday after which the Special Committee will have 10 days to conduct public hearing where his accusers will be accorded an opportunity to support the claims while the governor will be allowed to defend himself before the committee.

The County Governments Act gives the Senate two ways in which to impeach a governor. The House can make the decision in the Plenary or appoint a Special Committee to investigate the veracity of grounds the MCAs raised to impeach a governor.

Should it substantiate the charges, the Governor will be given a hearing before a vote is taken on his impeachment.

Other member include Janet Ongera, Stephen Sang, Joy Gwendo, Abu Chiaba, Moses Kajwang’, George Khaniri and Daniel Karaba.

This development comes after the High Court declined to issue orders stopping the Senate from investigating Wairia’s impeachment petition.

Justice Joseph Onguto said he was not convinced Iria would suffer prejudice when the Senate carries out its obligations as per the County Governments Act and deliberates the resolution.

When seeking interim orders, Iria argued that the resolution for his impeachment was unconstitutional as he was not accorded the opportunity to defend himself.

READ: Court declines to bar Senate from handling Iria ouster

34 Member of the Murang’a County Assembly voted to impeach Iria over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office including misuse of cash and failing to manage the county debt.

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The MCAs cited recommendations in the Auditor General’s report, which raised questions over the 28 million shilling Murang’a Investment Co-operative Society.

They also accused the Governor of incurring unsustainable debts worth Sh2.5 billion.

READ: Murang’a MCAs approve impeachment of Governor Iria

Speaker of the County Assembly Nduati Kariuki, had transmitted the particulars of the impeachment to the Senate last Friday.

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