Speaker Enock Okero has been ousted from office by Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) of Nyamira for gross misconduct, among other charges.
This follows a vote in which 23 MCAs supported the impeachment motion, while 11 abstained.
Okero’s impeachment comes after his suspension two weeks ago by the same assembly, although he has since made unsuccessful attempts to access his office.
Mr. Okero has challenged his indefinite suspension in the Nyamira High Court, calling it a “chaotic takeover.”
In recent months, the assembly has experienced significant unrest, with MCAs clashing over leadership positions.
Last week, Mr. Okero was pelted with stones while attempting to “forcefully” enter his office. Police were forced to fire shots into the air and lob teargas to control the situation.
A group of MCAs has declared Mr. Okero unwelcome at the Assembly, citing his indefinite suspension during a tense session, after which Ekerenyo MCA Thaddeus Nyabaro was appointed acting Speaker.
Mr. Okero faces accusations of sabotaging assembly motions, particularly those aimed at ousting Governor Amos Nyaribo.
The chaos escalated further with the burning of a security guard at the County Assembly premises and the torching of Bomwagamo Ward MCA Julius Nyangana’s home last Wednesday.
“This morning, we entered the Assembly to begin the day’s business, and the impeachment motion was submitted due to the Speaker’s gross misconduct and various corruption issues,” said Bonyamatuta Ward MCA Julius Matwere.
There were scenes of jubilation and confrontation in the assembly chambers, as MCAs both for and against the impeachment expressed their views.
