Siaya water, sanitation and environment CEC impeached

The MCAs said they were guided by Section 40 of the County Governments Act

In Summary
  • She becomes the first CEC to be impeached in the governor James Orengo's 7-month-old administration.
  • The impeachment motion was moved by Yimbo East Ward MCA, Francis Otiato.
Dr Julie Odhiambo the Siaya water CEC when she appeared for vetting by the assembly on November 10 last year. She was impeached on Tuesday, becoming the first CEC to be impeached in governor James Orengo's administration
Dr Julie Odhiambo the Siaya water CEC when she appeared for vetting by the assembly on November 10 last year. She was impeached on Tuesday, becoming the first CEC to be impeached in governor James Orengo's administration
Image: DICKENS WASONGA

Siaya County Assembly has impeached the county minister for water, sanitation and environment.

Dr Julie Odhiambo was sent packing by the assembly on Tuesday.

She becomes the first CEC to be impeached in governor James Orengo's 7-month-old administration.

The impeachment motion was moved by Yimbo East Ward MCA, Francis Otiato.

The house resolved to impeach the water executive on the grounds of alleged gross violation of the constitution of Kenya, 2010 and other laws, abuse of office and alleged gross misconduct

The MCAs said they were guided by the provisions of Section 40 of the County Governments Act, 2012, read together with Standing Order 73 of the County Assembly of Siaya Standing Orders to consider a report of the select committee.

The committee was tasked with investigating the grounds for removal from office of the CEC and unanimously resolved that the CEC Member be dismissed from office.

In the report by the Select Committee, the CECM was found to have failed to honour invitations and summons by a House Committee thus being in violation of the provisions of Articles 185(3) and 195(1) and (2) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010; Section 39(2)(a) and (b) of the County Governments Act, 2012; Section 10(b) of the Leadership and Integrity Act,2012 and Section 22 22(1)(2) and (3) of the County Assemblies Powers and Privileges Act, 2017.

On the allegation of harassment, mistreatment and intimidation of junior officers, the Committee found the allegations to be substantiated.

The MCAs said the CEC violated the provisions of Article 73(1) (a) (i), (ii) and (iii) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010; and Sections 11(a),(b) and 34(1) of the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012.

On the allegation of assault on a female member of the public, the MCAs noted the actions of the CEC Member were found to be ultra vires and in breach of the provisions of Articles 73(1)(a)(iii) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010; Section 144(1) and (2) of the Water Act, 2016 and Sections 7,8,9,11(b) and 13(1) (b) of the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012 "Subsequently, in line with the provisions of Section 40 (6) (a) of the County Governments Act, 2012 and Standing Order Number 73 of the County Assembly of Siaya Standing Orders.

Speaker, George Okode is expected to deliver the resolution on Impeachment of the CEC to governor Orengo.

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