In Kenya, a special committee of the Senate has recommended the impeachment of Wajir Governor Mohamed Abdi Mahamud for endangering the health of the people of his county.
The 11-man committee chaired by Nyamira Senator Okong’o O’mogeni found the embattled governor guilty of gross violation of the Constitution; County Government Act, Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act and Public Finance Management acts.
The committee however said the Wajir Members of County Assembly, who impeached Abdi on April 27, failed to substantiate the second charge of ‘abuse of office and gross misconduct’, saying the allegations were unsubstantiated.
While impeaching Mahamud, the Committee found the governor violated the right to health of the people of Wajir county because the health sector is in a deplorable state in spite of over Sh2.4 billion since 2018, an amount that is equivalent to 22 percent of the budget.
“….The committee further found that the allegations meet the threshold for impeachment of the governor under Article 181 of the Constitution,” reads the report in part.
The Wajir MCAs had, among others, accused the governor of squandering Covid-19 funds and running down the health care system in the county.
“A total of Sh2.92 billion was allocated towards improvement of the current health care system…. despite these colossal amounts…. Under the keen eye of the governor, the health system fell into disrepute, disrepair and failed as a whole” Habaswein MCA Hussein Abdirahman Dahir, who testified against the governor, said in a sworn affidavit.
The MCAs linked the governor’s wife, Khaire Omar, daughter Farhiya Mohamed and son Yusuf Mohamed to alleged irregular multi-million shilling contracts.
Another tender for the supply of relief food and assorted items for humanitarian needs was awarded to Leyli General Contractors Co. Limited, which is allegedly associated with the Governor and his family, the House team heard.
Following the recommendation, the Senate proceeded to vote on the motion to impeach or save the governor.
With the Senate’s upholding the governor’s impeachment, Mahamud joins a list of two governors who have been successfully ousted from office. They are Nairobi’s Mike Sonko and former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu.
Others who have survived impeachments include Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Paul Chepkwony (Kericho), Granton Samboja (Taita Taveta) and Martin Wambora of Embu.
