By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, 27 November 2025 - The Senate will handle the impeachment of Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo in a fully open plenary session next week, following the collapse of an attempt to create an 11-member select committee to investigate the charges. The hearings are set for Wednesday, December 3, and Thursday, December 4.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, in an official communication, confirmed that lawmakers agreed the matter should go before the entire House. He explained that the decision came after a proposal to form a special committee failed to secure the necessary support, prompting senators to opt for a process that allows every member to participate directly.
According to Speaker Kingi, the plenary will scrutinize allegations that include gross violation of the Constitution, breaches of various laws, and abuse of office. He emphasized that the shift to plenary ensures transparency while giving senators a chance to collectively question witnesses, interrogate evidence, and debate the merits of the charges.
Governor Nyaribo’s troubles escalated on November 25 when the Nyamira County Assembly voted to impeach him. Out of the 31 MCAs present, 23 supported the motion. A further four MCAs submitted written requests to have their positions recorded, but these were not factored into the final count after procedural issues arose.
The motion was brought by Bonyamatuta Ward MCA Julius Kimwomi Matwere, who accused the governor of overstepping his authority and undermining lawful procedures. One of the central claims is that Nyaribo allegedly conducted county business through the controversial “Bunge Mashinani” sessions — meetings held away from the official Assembly chambers that opponents say lacked any legal recognition.
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Additionally, the governor is accused of irregularly authorizing public funds, particularly in connection with the endorsement of Peris Nyaboke-Oroko as County Agriculture Minister during a time when leadership disputes had unsettled the Assembly.
Further accusations involve the contested appointment of committee members overseeing Keroka town and the formation of a recruitment panel for the County Public Service Board. Both actions were said to have been done during informal sittings believed to have taken place between October 2024 and June 2025, sessions critics argue contravened proper county protocols.
The upcoming Senate hearings are expected to draw considerable national attention. With the matter now in plenary, every senator will have a say in determining whether the allegations meet the strict constitutional requirements to remove a sitting county governor. The outcome could mark a significant turning point in Nyamira’s political landscape and shape the county’s governance trajectory moving forward.
