Migori County Assembly Speaker Owino Likowa, governor Ochillo Ayacko and a host of MCAs at the assembly precints. Photo:Pool
The leadership of the Migori County Assembly has downplayed reports of a looming impeachment motion against Deputy Governor Dr. Joseph Mahiri, describing the plan as ill-informed, politically driven, and unsupported by evidence.
Mr. Ken Ouma, the Majority Leader in the Assembly has said that no such motion has been tabled or debated in the House, accusing Tagare Ward MCA Moses Magwa who has been pushing for the ouster, of engaging in personal and clan-based politics rather than genuine oversight.
“His stated reasons lack the logical foundation and substantive evidence required for such a grave constitutional process,” the Majority Leader said.
“These allegations appear more of a personal vendetta or clan-based grievance than a legitimate accountability effort.”
He further warned that rushing into an impeachment process without concrete evidence could erode public confidence in the Assembly’s integrity and constitutional mandate.
“Being a Member of County Assembly does not confer the expertise of an auditor. If there are credible suspicions of mismanagement, they must be forwarded to oversight agencies for proper investigation,” he added.
Ouma also reminded members that the Constitution sets a high threshold for impeachment under Article 181, requiring one-third of MCAs to support initiation and two-thirds to approve, before Senate ratification.
He dismissed Magwa’s attempt as “opportunistic political showmanship” likely aimed at gaining attention ahead of future elections.
Kachieng’ Ward MCA Brian Osodo echoed the Majority Leader’s sentiments, saying that as of Thursday, no impeachment motion has been formally introduced or discussed in the Migori County Assembly.
“I state unequivocally: no such motion has been received, tabled, or debated in the Migori County Assembly plenary,” said Mr. Osodo, a second-term MCA known for his firm stance on governance and accountability.
He dismissed claims circulating on social media and in public forums as baseless speculation, insisting that impeachment is a solemn constitutional process, not a matter for roadside declarations or funeral speeches.
“Impeachment is not a public baraza or a WhatsApp discussion. It is a formal County Assembly procedure where evidence is examined and decisions are made under oath,” he said.
Mr. Osodo urged MCAs to act responsibly, noting that every legislator has a right to raise concerns but must do so within the bounds of law and institutional integrity
Mr Magwa, who represents Tagare Ward, has accused the Deputy Governor of marginalizing the Kuria community clans, engaging in questionable employment practices, and failing to account for funds allocated to peace initiatives.
He claims his efforts are backed by concerns raised in Auditor-General reports covering the period 2022 to 2025.
However, the Assembly leadership maintains that Magwa has yet to file any official documents substantiating his claims.
“We must not reduce the Deputy Governor’s office to a clan symbol,” the Majority Leader said, warning that ethnic divisions could roll back progress made in uniting Migori’s diverse communities.
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