Dec 21, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — Nairobi County Assembly speaker Benson Mutura has been sworn in as the acting governor following the impeachment of Mike Mbuvi Sonko last week.
Mutura, whose inauguration initially set for Friday was postponed after the presiding judge missed a crucial constitutional timeframe which requires swearing in ceremonies to be conducted between 10am and 2pm and will act for a period not exceeding sixty days.
His inauguration follows the confirmation of Sonko’s impeachment by the Senate last week Thursday, paving way for Mr Mutura to take over as acting governor for 60 days since Nairobi has no deputy governor.
Mr Mutura promised to restore sanity in the running of affairs in the capital.
“You have elected me to various positions in the city and I have never failed you. This will not be the first time,” he said.
He promised to end the budget impasse to ensure service delivery in the city is not grounded.
Sonko, who was impeached for gross violation of the constitution, abuse of office, misconduct and crimes against national law has vowed to head to court to fight his impeachment.
“He is contemplating going to court probably this week as he has 14 days to appeal. He retains the right to appeal that shoddy decision by the assembly and he hopes the court will stand with what is right and not political interests,” said Sonko’s spokesperson Ben Mulwa.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is required to organize a by-election within sixty days.
Under Article 182 4 and 5 a County Assembly Speaker assumes the Governor’s office where the Deputy Governor is unable to take over following a vacancy.
The Kenyan constitution stipulates that a by-election is held within sixty days from the date the Assembly Speaker assumes the office of the Governor.
The Speaker is second in line after the Deputy Governor, in whose case the law allows service for the remainder of the governor’s term without a requirement for a by-election.
A Deputy Governor who takes over for a period exceeding half a term is deemed to have served a full term as Governor.
Nairobi Deputy Governor Polycarp Igathe however resigned in January 2018 citing Sonko’s lack of confidence in him.
