Senator Karungo Pushes for Impeachment for Governors Running Unauthorized Bank Accounts

Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa has stirred fresh debate by proposing stricter grounds for impeaching governors who run unauthorized commercial bank accounts.

His bold move directly targets Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, accused of overseeing multi-billion shilling embezzlement in the county.

Speaking after a Senate Committee on Devolution meeting, Karungo declared that many county governments violate the law by maintaining bank accounts not approved by the National Treasury.

His proposal could shake up governance in counties, ensuring tighter controls on public funds. As pressure mounts, governors may soon face new legal battles to keep their positions.

Governors will have to tighten their financial practices or face the real threat of impeachment. For now, all eyes are on Kiambu and the next moves of Governor Kimani Wamatangi. Kiambu alone operates 276 commercial accounts, while Baringo manages 304. [Image: Screenshot]

Karungo Calls for Tougher Rules on Impeachment for Governors

Senator Karungo’s proposal centers on closing loopholes that allow governors to misuse public funds. He highlighted that the Constitution and financial regulations strictly prohibit counties from operating commercial bank accounts without Treasury approval. However, the law is often ignored.

“Should this be an impeachable offense? Regulation 82(1)(b) of the Public Finance Management (County Governments) Regulations prohibits counties from operating commercial bank accounts. Yet, almost all counties have gone rogue,” Karungo said.

He singled out Kiambu and Baringo counties as the worst offenders, revealing that Kiambu alone operates 276 commercial accounts, while Baringo manages 304. These numbers, according to Karungo, show just how widespread the breach is.

The Senate Committee has taken steps to push counties into compliance. The Controller of Budget (CoB) and the Auditor General have been directed to issue a circular demanding full disclosure of all commercial bank accounts under county control.

“The Committee has now directed the CoB and the Auditor General to issue a circular to all counties, compelling them to disclose all commercial bank accounts under their control,” Karungo emphasized.

The senator’s plan to make unauthorized bank accounts a new ground for impeachment aims to put governors on notice. He believes that without firm penalties, counties will continue operating outside the law.

Debate Heats Up as Governors Defend Their Actions

Karungo’s proposal has drawn criticism from some county leaders. Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, who chairs the Council of Governors’ Finance, Planning, and Economic Affairs Committee, defended the use of commercial bank accounts in certain cases.

“Represented the council of governors at a Senate forum deliberating the role of commercial bank accounts by counties. Often misreported, the law allows counties to operate such accounts—for health facilities under the FIF Act, revenue collection, imprest, and donor-funded projects,” Barasa explained.

This defense shows a gap between lawmakers and county officials regarding the interpretation of financial laws. While Barasa claims legal backing for some accounts, Karungo argues that the widespread misuse of these accounts has fueled corruption and mismanagement.

Karungo’s direct attack on Governor Kimani Wamatangi highlights the growing tensions in Kiambu. Wamatangi faces allegations of embezzling billions through unauthorized transactions, putting him squarely in the senator’s crosshairs.

The History of Impeachment for Governors in Kenya

Kenya’s Constitution outlines four main grounds for impeaching a governor:

1. Gross violation of the Constitution.

2. Commission of a crime under national or international law.

3. Abuse of office or gross misconduct.

4. Physical or mental incapacity to perform official duties.

Senator Karungo’s proposal, if passed, would introduce a fifth ground—operating unauthorized commercial bank accounts. This move could redefine accountability in county leadership.

Since the 2010 Constitution came into effect, 11 governors have faced impeachment motions. However, only three governors have been successfully impeached: Mike Sonko of Nairobi, Ferdinand Waititu of Kiambu, and Kawira Mwangaza of Meru. These cases underline the challenge of pushing through impeachment despite evidence of wrongdoing.

Karungo’s proposal may make it easier to hold governors accountable, but it also raises questions about the balance between oversight and political witch-hunts. Critics argue that without clear guidelines, new impeachment grounds could be abused for political gain.

What Lies Ahead

The Senate Committee’s directive for counties to disclose their bank accounts is only the first step. If Karungo’s plan gains traction, Kenya could see a significant shakeup in county governance.

Governors will have to tighten their financial practices or face the real threat of impeachment. For now, all eyes are on Kiambu and the next moves of Governor Kimani Wamatangi.

As Karungo’s proposal picks up momentum, it sends a strong message—no governor is above the law, and financial accountability is non-negotiable.

The coming months will reveal whether the push for new impeachment grounds gains enough support to become law, setting a new standard for county leadership across Kenya.