Speaker Benson Mutura Sworn In As Acting Governor Of Nairobi

Benson Mutura, the Nairobi County Assembly Speaker has been sworn in as acting Nairobi Governor at City Hall hours after Senate confirmed Mike Sonko’s impeachment.

The swearing in comes even as security was beefed up at City Hall with officers patrolling the environs in readiness for any arising skirmishes.

The law states that the speaker’s role is limited to 60 days in preparation for a by-election in the event of a vacancy in the offices of governor and deputy.

The Nairobi gubernatorial by-election is to be held by February 15, 2021, which will be within 60 days of the Senate impeachment vote.

However, Wambora escaped impeachment after the courts quashed his removal. Waititu, on the other hand, failed to secure an injunction and was successfully removed from office..

On Thursday night, the Senate voted on four charges to impeach Sonko.

In the first charge of gross violation of the constitution, 27 lawmakers voted YES while 16 voted NO. In the second charge of abuse of office 27 voted YES while 16 voted NO.

On the third charge of gross misconduct, 27 voted YES and 16 voted NO. And, in the fourth charge of crimes under national law, 27 voted YES and 16 NO.

Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jr and his Nairobi counterpart Johnson Sakaja abstained.

However, Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, who opposed the motion faulted the motive of the move arguing the trend would jeopardize devolution.

Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina fiercely defended Governor Sonko saying most of the charges were not adding up due to insufficient evidence.

Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka confirmed Sonko’s removal from office in a Kenya Gazette published on 18th of December.