Senators to Hear Impeachment Case Against Nyamira Governor Nyaribo This Week

Senators will this week hear the impeachment case against Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo.

The process is set for Wednesday and Thursday that will determine whether he remains in office. Kenya’s Senate is preparing for a politically charged trial that has exposed emerging divisions within major parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Nyamira County Assembly impeached Governor Nyaribo last week with unanimous support from its 23 Members of County Assembly. The charges include financial misconduct, abuse of office, and defiance of court orders.

Key allegations involve establishing an unauthorised parallel assembly known as Bunge Mashinani, altering fiscal priorities without approval, making illegal appointments, and recruiting 358 staff without a budget, which reportedly increased the wage bill by Sh325 million a year.

The governor also faces accusations of irregular salary payments, double medical claims, and questionable housing compensation. Although the trial focuses on governance, it unfolds against a complex political backdrop.

The United Opposition, buoyed by recent by-election wins, approaches the Senate session with renewed momentum. Its leaders, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, have been strengthened by the renewed influence of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, whose appeal in the Gusii region has drawn several ODM legislators.

Governor Nyaribo leads the United Progressive Alliance, a party previously associated with Matiang’i, adding another layer to the political manoeuvring around the proceedings. Divisions within the governing coalition have further heightened uncertainty. President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance holds 22 Senate seats, but at least seven senators have since taken independent positions or aligned themselves with Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party.

ODM, which secured 13 seats, is also facing internal strain following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, leaving the party without a unifying figure. Shifting positions among leaders such as Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna have complicated ODM’s stance on the impeachment.

With 47 elected senators, pending the swearing-in of Baringo’s Vincent Chemitei, the vote’s outcome remains uncertain. Last week, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch declined to support the formation of a special committee, saying that he had instructions from the Minority side not to second the Motion.