Trans Nzoia MCAs table motion to impeach county officials
Members of Trans Nzoia County Assembly have tabled a notice of motion for removal of Finance and Economic Planning County Executive Committee Member CECM, Boniface Wanyonyi and censure motion against Finance Chief Officer Emmanuel Wanjala.
In a motion seen by People Daily Digital, the CECM is to be impeached on grounds of gross violation of the Constitution of Kenya and the Law, Incompetence and Abuse of Office.
On Gross violation of the Constitution and the Law, Wanyonyi is said to have contravened Article 185(3) of the Constitution.
It is also reported that he has blatantly contravened the Public Finance Management Act by holding funds released for the operations of the County Assembly, including the June 2021 salaries and other payments for members and other staff of the county assembly, without a valid explanation.
Further, the CECM is accused of not remitting statutory deductions and other third party liabilities from the salaries due to the staff of the county Government, hence occasioning them and the county huge penalties for the non-remittance.
On Incompetence, Wanyonyi is said to have failed to release funds for the County Assembly June 2021 allocation without an explanation, has not explained course and remedy for the huge pending bills dating back to 2017.
“The CECM has not given a reason as to why contractors are not being paid, with bills pending back to 2013. The CECM has failed to explain to this Honourable House the over committal and over expenditure of the County Budget,” read part of the motion.
On Abuse of office, Wanyonyi is accused of selective payment of contractors, over commitment of funds beyond budgetary provisions and non-remittance of the County Assembly June 2021 allocation with no valid reason.
Out of 39 members of the County Assembly, 23 MCAS have signed the motion.
The MCAs have resolved to constitute a select Committee to investigate the matter with a view of calling Governor Patrick Khaemba to dismiss Boniface Wanyonyi.
The MCA s have also urged Khaemba to move or replace the County Chief Officer for Finance Emmanuel Wanjala from the department with immediate effect.
The County Public Service Board has been asked to institute disciplinary proceedings against Wanjala.
"The CCO has been abdicating his duties, which has culminated in him overseeing massive ineffectiveness in his department. He has undermined other departments in relation to the usage of their funds, corruption malpractices, and clear manifest of arrogance in his dealing," read the motion.
The motions have divided the MCAs into two factions with Kapomboi ward MCA Bernard Wanjala alias Mlipuko leading one side while nominated MCA Philip Nyongesa pointed an accusing finger on the Majority Leader Patrick Kisiero and Minority Leader Emmanuel Waswa.
“We can’t blame the CEC and his Chief Officer, the blame squarely lies with majority and minority leaders. The two are members of the county assembly service board, unfortunately, they are self-seekers, and they are not concerned with our welfare” Mlipuko said.
In a quick rejoinder, Kisiero and Sitatunga ward MCA Daniel Kaburu said MCAs opposed to the motion are not genuine and sincere and should not be taken seriously.
“Some of these MCAs were elected without knowledge of what their roles are. In fact some of them do not know the Standing Orders and should therefore be inducted on their roles” Kaburu said.
