CS Kobia: Waigurus impeachment shows we dont value strong women leadership

Ministry of Public Service and Gender CS Margaret Kobia has thrown her weight behind Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru a day after 23 Kirinyaga County MCAs voted to impeach her.

In statement released on Wednesday, Prof. Kobia said those keen on cutting short Governor Waiguru’s tenure in office do not value strong women leadership.

“Governor Anne Waiguru’s term is being cut short by an alleged impeachment, this is an indicator that some of us do not value strong women leadership,” the statement read.

She also questioned the timing of the vote to impeach Governor Waiguru saying the country is currently dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are disappointed that the Governor is being impeached during the fight against COVID-19 which is negatively impacting on social economic development of the country,” the statement read.

Ms Kobia demanded that due process be followed saying that she fully supports the Common Women Agenda (COWA).

Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi has criticized the statement from CS Kobia arguing that Waiguru’s election was subject to evaluation on meritocracy and performance.

“If you are gender genuine, then issue a memo to Chief Justice David Maraga to dissolve parliament for violating the 2/3 gender rule,” the LSK President said on Twitter.

On Tuesday, 23 MCAs voted to impeach Governor Waiguru over alleged gross-misconduct and abuse of office.

The motion had been filed by Mutira Ward MCA David Kinyua Wangui.

County Assembly Speaker Anthony Gathumbi announced the removal of Waiguru after the required majority voted on Tuesday afternoon.

Four members of the county assembly abstained while 6 others were absent.

Earlier, chaos erupted after two MCAs Anthony Munene (Karumandi ward) and Nominated MCA Lucy Njeri —who are allies of Governor Waiguru— were removed from the proceedings.

Governor Waiguru has since released a statement calling out the MCAs for what she termed as an ill-informed and ill-timed impeachment motion.