Homa Bay County Speaker Elizabeth Ayoo impeached again

Homa Bay Members of County Assembly (MCAs) on Tuesday impeached Speaker Elizabeth Ayoo over alleged violation of the constitution, incompetence and gross misconduct.

The 49 MCAs who attended the afternoon session accused the Speaker of abusing her office by causing embarrassment to the House contrary to the code of conduct of a state officer. Therefore, they unanimously voted to approve the impeachment.

In a motion that was tabled by Kibiri Ward MCA, Michael Odira, the Speaker was also accused of mismanaging the county resources.

“The Speaker, who is a public servant, has not demonstrated honesty in her conduct. She has gone against the code of conduct of public officers,” Odira said.

The members accused the Speaker of violation of Chapter 6 of the Leadership and Integrity Act which requires a state officer to offer service beyond reproach.

The impeachment comes barely three years after a similar one in November 2018, but Ayoo returned to the office following a court injunction.

She was also alleged to have tried to change the composition of the Assembly Service Board without seeking the consent of the MCAs.

“A public officer should not engage in activities and conduct that are seen to personally benefit them,” Odira noted.

The Deputy Speaker Elias Orondo is expected to take the mantle as the acting Speaker until the election of the next speaker will be conducted.