Governor Amos Nyaribo Faces Impeachment Again

Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo is staring at another potential impeachment after an ouster bid was formally introduced in the County Assembly on Monday, November 17.

MCAs have moved to push him out, accusing him of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and questionable appointments — the latest in a string of attempts to unseat him as divisions in the assembly deepen.

The motion, brought by Bonyamatuta Ward MCA Julius Kimwomi Matwere, argues that the governor committed serious breaches of the Constitution and other laws, alongside abusing his office.

“I wish to give notice of motion for the removal of Honourable Nyaribo, the governor of Nyamira County, from office by way of impeachment on the following grounds: number one, gross violation of the Constitution of Kenya and other laws, and two, abuse of office,” Matwere said.

This fresh impeachment push lands as Nyaribo battles a major political storm, marking the third time the assembly is attempting to remove him in a special sitting.

In September last year, he survived by the slimmest margin — one vote. Out of 34 MCAs present, 22 backed the motion, 12 opposed it, and none abstained.

In October 2023, Governor Nyaribo survived an impeachment attempt after 16 MCAs voted for his ouster while 18 voted against it.

In August 2024, a section of Nyamira Residents filed a petition to have the entire devolved unit in their county disbanded, claiming that it had failed to adequately deliver services to them as is their mandate.

Governor Nyaribo was accused of drawing a hefty Ksh6.5 Million a month, a figure he explained was because of pending arrears which in part emanated from his time as deputy governor.

On February 16, 2023, Nyamira Law Courts upheld Nyaribo's victory during the August 9, 2022, general elections, with Magistrate Kimondo Kanyi ruling that the petitioners did not produce sufficient evidence for the nullification of the election exercise.

Meanwhile Nyaribo is under probe by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over alleged corruption and abuse of office, a situation that has placed him in an even tighter corner. Last month, EACC officers raided his homes and offices over claims tied to a Ksh382 million irregular tender.

The October 29 morning raids also targeted top county officials believed to be part of the scheme, with coordinated searches carried out in Nyamira, Kisii, and Nairobi.

The Speaker has since adjourned the House until Tuesday, November 18, at 9:30am, when MCAs will reconvene to debate the motion.

A photo of Nyamira County headquarters. /STANDARD DIGITAL