Nakuru County Assembly Members Clash Over County Secretary’s Impeachment

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• A motion for the impeachment of Nakuru County Secretary Dr. Samwel Mwaura, brought forth by Menengai East Member of County Assembly Wilson Mwangi, led to a divisive split within the assembly.
• Allegations against Mwaura include failure to appear before assembly committees, involvement in hospital chaos resulting in fatalities, and disregarding a court order, sparking tensions among assembly members with 63 opposing the establishment of an ad-hoc committee for investigation.

The Nakuru County Assembly found itself in a contentious divide on Thursday as Menengai East Member of County Assembly, Wilson Mwangi, tabled a motion calling for the impeachment of County Secretary Dr. Samwel Mwaura. 

The motion laid bare a stark division within the assembly, with one faction, aligned with Governor Susan Kihika, opposing the motion, while another faction, feeling aggrieved, fervently pushed for Mwaura’s removal from office.

Accusations against Mwaura include a failure to appear before assembly committees as required and alleged involvement in hiring individuals to forcibly expel patients and management from War Memorial Hospital, resulting in fatalities during the ensuing chaos. 

Additionally, Mwaura stands accused of disregarding a court order from the Lands and Environment court, which prohibited the Nakuru county government from interfering with the hospital’s affairs pending the resolution of a pending case.

Further allegations suggest Mwaura’s involvement in orchestrating attacks on peaceful demonstrations organized by the Law Society of Kenya Nakuru Branch, heightening tensions within the county.

Despite the gravity of the accusations, 63 MCAs opposed the establishment of an ad-hoc committee tasked with investigating the grounds for Mwaura’s impeachment, reflecting a notable lack of consensus within the assembly. 

Two members opted to abstain from the vote, underscoring the complexity and sensitivity surrounding the issue at hand.