Impeachment motion tabled against Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko

An impeachment motion was on Thursday tabled against embattled Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko by Makongeni MCA Peter Imwatok.

Imwatok accused Sonko of abuse of office, violation of the Constitution, irregular procurement of tenders among others.

The Nairobi County Assembly Minority Whip’s presentation was however temporarily disrupted before Speaker Beatrice Elachi intervened and ordered a section of the rowdy MCAs, including Roysambu Ward Representative Peter Mwatere, out of the House.

According to Imwatok, the county has seen irregular withdrawal of Ksh.200 million in cash as well as misuse of public resources by the governor to settle political scores.

“Sonko every time consumes alcohol in the office of the governor, thus making insults to employees and members of this House,” said Imwatok.

“He fires staff on WhatsApp and Facebook without allowing them due process thus affecting service delivery.”

The MCA alleged that Nairobi County Executive Committee members face hostility from Governor Sonko and work in constant fear and intimidation.

He also accused Sonko of violating the constitution by failing to name a deputy governor following the resignation of Polycarp Igathe two years ago.

Sonko, who has an ongoing corruption case in court, was further alleged to have irregularly awarded millions of shillings to single road contractors in estates such as Tassia within Nairobi.

Imwatok cited a Ksh.1.5 billion AAR Insurance cover for Nairobi County staff as well as Ksh.18 million directed towards Nairobi beautification; both of which he termed as irregular.

MCAs allied to Sonko, led by Majority Leader Charles Thuo, however demanded for verification of the signatures collected if they meet the threshold required for an impeachment motion.

Speaker Elachi directed Thuo and his team to the Clerk’s office for a copy of the signatures, further giving the House two days to go through the Attoney General’s advisory on the matter.

Imwatok on Wednesday told Citizen TV that 67 MCAs had appended their signatures to impeach Sonko.

To move such a motion in the assembly, one requires at least 41 MCAs to sign and, to have the impeachment pass, two thirds of the assembly is required.