Drama As Migori MCAs Impeach Speaker

Migori County Assembly erupted in drama on Tuesday, April 23 as Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) voted to impeach Speaker Charles Owino Likowa.

The MCAs had accused Likowa of mismanagement, throwing the county government into further disarray.  

This impeachment follows a period of rising tensions between the Migori executive and legislative branches.

Image of embattled Migori County Assembly Speaker, Charles Owino Likowa. /FACEBOOK

A recent High Court judgment threw the body into disarray by upholding a petition challenging the election of Charles Owino Likowa as Speaker. 

On February 21, 2023, the High Court in Migori ruled that the election of Charles Owino Likowa as Speaker did not comply with the required procedures and ordered a fresh election within 21 days.

However, the decision was appealed and an order was issued to stay the implementation.

"This court hereby declares the election of the third respondent Charles Owino Likowa as the Assembly Speaker null and void on accounts of legal non-compliance with the election conduct," Justice Roseline Wendoh ruled.

The petition, filed by Isaac Aluochier, a resident known for his vocal opposition to the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), alleged irregularities in Likowa's election process that took place in late 2022. 

Aluochier, who had himself vied for the Speaker position, wasn't content with just the nullification. He sought the court's intervention to be installed as Speaker himself.

Aluochier's legal challenge, despite his string of unsuccessful attempts at various political seats including governor, senator, and MCA in the 2022 elections, has exposed underlying tensions within the Assembly. 

Today's events further escalated the situation. Reacting to the court judgement, MCAs voted to impeach Likowa, citing mismanagement as the reason. 

With Likowa out and the Speaker's seat vacant, Migori's political landscape faces significant uncertainty. 

All eyes turn to who will take the helm of the Assembly and steer Migori through these choppy political waters.