Nyamira Governor Nyaribo's Legal Team Unveiled Ahead of Senate Impeachment Hearing
Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo has assembled a seven-member legal team to represent him in the Senate impeachment hearing, which commences tomorrow. Nyaribo, who will also attend the hearing in person, has identified four witnesses to support his defense, as per a communication sent to the Senate.
The legal team comprises Elias Mutua, Zelmer Bonuke, Ombui Ratemo, Brianalee Murithii, and Erastus Orina as lead counsel, with Sylivia Njoki and Michelle Makandi serving as legal assistants. The witnesses include MCAs Priscilla Nyatichi (Nominated), Julius Obonyo (Bobwagamo Ward), Elijah Abere (Nominated), and Gladys Moraa.
The three MCAs have retracted letters they allegedly wrote to the County Assembly Speaker, Thadeus Nyabaro, authorizing voting by proxy. Nyaribo's legal team will present a preliminary objection, arguing that the Assembly did not meet the required threshold. The Senate's decision on this objection will be crucial.
The impeachment hearing will be a closely watched event as senators determine the governor's political future. During the voting in Nyamira last week, 23 MCAs voted for impeachment despite only 19 being present, with 12 absent. Speaker Nyabaro allowed five present MCAs to vote on behalf of their absent colleagues, reaching the necessary threshold.
Nyaribo's lawyers will rely on Senate precedent, where similar charges against Isiolo's Abdi Guyo and Kericho's Eric Mutai were dismissed on technical grounds. The hearing will formally begin with the reading of charges against Governor Nyaribo, followed by his plea. The County Assembly will then present its case, outlining evidence and arguments for the governor's removal.
The Assembly's legal team will present documents and cross-examine witnesses to support their claims. Governor Nyaribo's defense team will respond, challenge allegations, and call their own witnesses. The Senate will then debate the motion before casting a decisive vote on December 4, 2025. A majority of county delegations will decide the charges' fate.
The impeachment process has been a complex journey. Initially, Majority Leader Sen. Aaron Cheruiyot proposed an eleven-member select committee, but it failed to secure a seconder, leading to the full plenary hearing. The Speaker directed the Clerk of the Senate to issue invitations and set deadlines for responses and document circulation, ensuring a structured and transparent process.
