Court declines to stop swearing-in of James Nyoro as Kiambu Governor

The High Court has declined to issue ex-parte orders sought by ousted Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu among them the barring of his deputy from taking over as Governor.

Waititu, who was kicked out of office after his impeachment was withheld by the Senate on Wednesday, filed a petition on Thursday where he sought to have the Senate decision suspended pending the hearing and determination of his petition.

The court instead directed that the matter be heard inter-parte on Monday, February 3.

Waititu has listed the Kiambu County Assembly, the Speaker of the Kiambu County Assembly, the Speaker of the Senate, the Senate and James Nyoro as respondents in the case.

He claims that his right to a fair hearing by the Kiambu County Assembly was violated during the debate and voting of the motion to impeach him on December 19, 2019.

In the petition, Waititu wants the court to restrain any person, body or organ from implementing the Senate decision that approved his impeachment.

He also wants the court to prohibit, restrain or stop the Gazettement of the date, time and place for the swearing-in of his deputy.

Waititu also wants the court to stop the swearing in of Nyoro as the Governor of Kiambu County.

James Nyoro was set to be sworn in as Governor of Kiambu County on Thursday but the plans were postponed at the last minute due to what the Judiciary termed as unavoidable reasons.

Waititu was kicked out of office on three charges; Gross Violation of the Constitution & Public Finance Management Act, Crimes under the National Law and Gross Misconduct/Abuse of Office.