Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo has once again survived an impeachment attempt after the Senate dismissed the case on Wednesday, citing major procedural gaps in the County Assembly process.
The dramatic session, which extended late into the night, saw senators debate preliminary objections raised by Nyaribo’s legal team, led by lawyer Elias Mutuma. The defence argued that the Nyamira County Assembly fell short of the mandatory two-thirds majority required for an impeachment vote, with only 23 out of 35 MCAs participating.
The governor’s team also challenged the use of proxy voting, terming it unlawful and therefore invalid. Senators were sharply divided, with some among them Boni Khalwale pushing for the matter to proceed despite the objections.
However, a majority of senators voted to halt the proceedings, with 38 supporting the motion to terminate the case and only four opposing it. Senate Speaker Amason Kingi later confirmed that the impeachment could not stand, allowing Nyaribo to retain his seat.
The impeachment motion had accused the governor of misconduct, unlawful appointments and breach of the law. The process had already shown signs of trouble after several MCAs disowned letters allegedly authorising proxy voting.
Nyaribo now joins Kericho’s Erick Mutai and Isiolo’s Abdi Guyo, who were recently cleared by the Senate on similar procedural grounds.
