Siaya faces sharp criticism over impeachments
A special plenary session at the Siaya County Assembly on February 3, 2021.
The Siaya County Assembly is turning into a theatre of impeachments, with the latest victim being Governor James Orengo's Trade minister, even as the House faces sharp criticism from civil society and women leaders.
The development follows a fresh impeachment motion against Ms Grace Agola, the move being spearheaded by East Ugenya MCA Fredrick Omoro.
The latest motion mirrors the impeachment of Deputy Governor William Oduol, who was saved by the Senate, and the successful impeachment of former CEC for Water, Dr Caroline Onyango, in 2023.
However, the Assembly is now facing a fierce backlash from civil society members, women and political leaders who claim that the recent impeachment proceedings have become a partisan spectacle, undermining public confidence in county governance.
Community Initiative Action Group Kenya (CIAG-K) chief executive officer Chris Owala alleges "systemic blackmail", which he says has become the order of the day within the county government.
Mr Owala has also condemned "weaponised" impeachment motions for selfish and personal interests.
“The incessant impeachment motions are creating an environment of fear and hindering proper service delivery,” Mr Owala said in a statement on Monday.
“The latest impeachment proceedings against Trade CEC Grace Agola and the previous impeachment of Dr Julie Onyango, all natives of Alego Usonga Constituency, is uncalled for,” he added.
He pointed out that the impeachment of women leaders amounts to gender persecution and must stop.
At least 30 MCAs in Siaya have signed the latest impeachment motion against Ms Agola. The Bachelor of Business Administration holder is accused of "incompetence and gross violation of the constitution".
“The CEC Member for Trade Grace Agola has consistently failed to perform her duties in a consistent and proper manner,” the motion reads.
“She does not implement orders and instructions lawfully put to her, or if she does, in a very casual and detached manner.”
The CEC is also accused of perjury and violating Section 22(1) and (2) of the County Assemblies Powers and Privileges Act, 2017, by refusing to submit crucial reports to the House Committee on General Oversight, which was investigating the irregular recruitment of casual labourers and market cleaners.
But some members of the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake groups and Siaya residents have come to her defence, saying she is a "victim of political persecution".
Ms Rosemary Ogutu said the trend in Siaya of MCAs targeting women leaders for impeachment reflects badly on the assembly.
“What is coming out is a clear male chauvinism that must be addressed and we urge our female MCAs not to fall for this women's persecution,” she said.
Mr John Ogeya of the Siaya County Accountability Network (SCAN) lamented that the three impeachments in the Assembly have targeted senior executive members from Alego Usonga Constituency.
“From DG William Oduol to Dr Julie and now Grace Agola, all these are natives of Alego Usonga and we feel our community is targeted,” Mr Ogeya said.
Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi recently fell out with Governor Orengo over support for the broad-based government.
Ms Hellen Abuor, from a local community-based organisation in Siaya, urged MCAs to find better ways to address underlying issues.
“Impeachment alone cannot be the solution to all issues affecting the county. Let us always learn to strike a balance so that we don't harm either side,” she said.
She noted that the assembly needs to uphold affirmative action and not be seen to be targeting women or leaders from particular clans.