COG to challenge Governor Gachagua’s impeachment in court

The Council of Governors (COG) has vowed to move to court to challenge the impeachment of Nyeri Governor Nderitu by members of his county assembly.

Speaking at a Naivasha hotel on Mondaym, the council chair Peter Munya dismissed the impeachment, saying Governor Gachagua was not given a chance to defend himself.

“This is a travesty of justice by the County Assembly of Nyeri and we have confidence that the court will address it amicably,” he said.

Munya expressed optimism in Gachagua’s ability to overcome the turmoil that has rocked his government noting that other governors who had been impeached had won similar applications.

“The law is very clear in terms of impeachment and the move by the Nyeri County Assembly is null and void and against the law,” he said.

This comes as a section of leaders in Nyeri, led by Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando and Kieni MP Kanini Kega stormed Governor Gachagua’s office to force him out.

The leaders claimed that since he had been impeached, Gachagua had no business staying in office or executing governor’s roles.

Meanwhile, COG has welcomed the idea to change the free maternity programme into an insurance policy.

“We are working with experts so that the programme can be elevated into an insurance scheme as part of improving health services to our people,” he said.

Flanked by fellow governors, Munya admitted that the programme still faced challenges but was quick to note that the issue of funding had been addressed.

During the meeting the council entered into a memorandum of coloration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

“We have agreed with UNICEF to work together mainly in addressing the issue immunization, sanitation and child rights,” he said.

Addressing the press, UNICEF Country representative Werner Schultink said that the agreement included addressing issues of health, sanitation and education.

He said that the UN organization used USD80m last year in various projects across the country all meant to help the community.

“We are currently carrying out various projects in over fifty per cent of the counties and we plan to use a similar amount of funds that we did last year,” he said.

Werner said that the fund was keen to address the issue of HIV Aids, nutrition, violence against minors, quality drinking water and improve the issue of sanitation.

“Before we did not have a formal agreement with county governments but under the new deal we shall work together in addressing the emerging challenges facing Kenyans,” he said.