By KPC Reporter
Nyamira County Governor Amos Kimwomi Nyaribo has been impeached by the County Assembly.
23 Members of County Assembly (MCAs) on Tuesday voted in favour of a motion accusing him of gross violations of the Constitution and other charges.
The impeachment, which marks the third attempt to remove him from office, was spearheaded by Bonyamatutwa MCA Julius Matwere.
The matter now proceeds to the Senate, which will decide whether to uphold or overturn the Assembly’s decision.
If confirmed, Deputy Governor James Gesami will assume leadership of Nyamira County.
The impeachment session was notable for the absence of several MCAs allied to the governor, who filed sworn affidavits declaring their refusal to participate.
In documents drawn by Wesonga G.O & Co. Advocates and sworn before commissioners for oaths, the legislators stated: “I have made a deliberate, firm, and conscientious decision not to participate in any part of the process, whether through debate or by casting a vote.”
They further affirmed that they had not authorized any colleague to act on their behalf.
Among those who swore affidavits of non-participation were Alfayo Ngeresa Mabera (Mekenene Ward), Emmanuel Nyambega Gisesa (Rigoma Ward), Joel Ombongi Nyangau (Bokeire Ward), Lameck Sikweya Onyancha (Itibo Ward) and Julius Obonyo Nyangana (Bomwagamo Ward).
Others were Henry Sidney Onsinyo Obwaya (Gachuba Ward), Jeria Kerubo Nyakangi, Priscilla Nyatichi Mokora, Elijah Sagwe Abere, Abel Mokaya Mose (Magwagwa Ward), Lydia Nyaboke Mosiere, and Martha Kerubo Marwa.
In her affidavit, Specially Elected MCA Jeria Kerubo Nyakangi stated: “I swear this Affidavit as clear evidence and formal affirmation of my decision and intention not to take part in the said impeachment motion in any manner whatsoever.”
The development underscores the turbulence that has long characterised Nyamira politics.
The impeachment of former County Assembly Speaker Enock Okero and the subsequent rise of Thaddious Nyabaro, who presided over Nyaribo’s removal, highlight the county’s shifting power dynamics.
With three ward by-elections (Nyamaiya, Ekerenyo and Nyansiongo) also looming, questions of representation and legitimacy remain, as the affected electoral areas did not participate in the impeachment vote.
Observers note that the affidavits of non-participation reflect deep divisions within the Assembly, with critics pointing to alleged constitutional breaches and mismanagement.
Some supporters of the governor argue the process was politically motivated.
The Senate’s decision will now determine whether Nyamira enters yet another chapter of political transition.
Kenya has witnessed a few successful impeachments of governors since the advent of devolution in 2013.
Alongside the cases of Ferdinand Waititu (Kiambu, 2020) and Mike Sonko (Nairobi, 2020), Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza was impeached in August 2024 after months of conflict with the County Assembly.
The Senate upheld charges of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and constitutional violations, making her the third governor to be successfully removed under the devolved system.
In March 2025, the High Court further dismissed her petition challenging the process, ruling that the impeachment had followed the law and clearing the way for Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma to take over the governorship.
In national politics, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was successfully impeached and replaced by Prof. Kithure Kindiki.