Senate Select Committee acquits Governor Waiguru – KBC

The Senate Select Committee appointed to probe the impeachment of Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has acquitted her.

This is after the Senate dismissed the motion seeking to remove her from office citing charges levelled against her were not substantiated.

According to the committee, the County Assembly did not provide evidence directly linking her to alleged corruption, abuse of office and violation of procurement regulations.

“The Committee having investigated the matter in accordance with its mandate under section 33(4) of the County Governments Act and standing order 75(2) of the Senate Standing Orders reports to the Senate that it finds that the two charges against the Governor have not been substantiated,” concludes the Committee.

In its 88-page report, the Senate Committee has recommended that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) delve deeper into the allegations and using their forensic expertise, identify culprits for prosecution.

Waiguru was impeached by the County Assembly on grounds of gross violation of the constitution and other laws, abuse of office and gross misconduct.

Kirinyaga MCAs passed the motion accusing the governor of having undermined their authority.

Some 23 out of the 33 MCAs supported the motion before it was passed and later tabled in Senate.

The Senate then selected an 11 member committee that conducted a two day hearing into the allegations.

The Cleophas Malala-led committee concluded its hearings on Wednesday and retreated to make a determination into the allegations.

Waiguru in her defence presented three witnesses who gave an account of the happenings in the county that brought about her impeachment.

More to follow…..