Machakos MCAs Debate Motion to Remove Governor Alfred Mutua from Office

A motion seeking to remove Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua from office was on Tuesday tabled before the County Assembly.

In the motion tabled by Ekalakala MCA Stephen Mwanthi wants the Assembly to oust Mutua from office and have Speaker Florence Mwangangi assume executive powers in an acting capacity.

In his motion, the Ward Representative argues that the House was yet to receive any notice of appeal by Dr Mutua at the Supreme Court to challenge Appellate Court's decision that nullified the Governor's election last Friday.

"The intention of this Motion is to discuss the the status of Machakos County, following the nullification of the election of Governor Alfred Mutua by the court of appeal," said Mwanthi.

Citing Article 182 (4) of the constitution, Mwanthi adds: "In this view we are seeking to have the Speaker take over since this House has not been served accordingly. This will ensure there's no vacuum in the leadership of this county."

However, MCAs allied to Mutua led by Mwala MCA Brian Kisila fiercely opposed the motion, terming it untimely. "It will be untimely to debate such a Motion because it is clear and obvious that the governor has not yet exhausted all his avenues of appeal," he said.

Assembly Speaker Mwangangi said: "This matter raises very serious legal and constitutional issues which require proper interpretation of the law. As such, I take it upon myself to consult on its implication and communicate on the matter as soon as possible."

Governor Mutua's lawyer, Wilfred Nyamu rubbished the ouster bid as premature and unnecessary, insisting that Governor remains in office.

"The current situation is that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has not even been served with the order of the court. For the assembly to discuss this issue, it is tantamount to occasioning a coup," said Nyamu, who is a constitutional lawyer.