Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo has unveiled a seven-member team of lawyers ahead of his Senate impeachment hearing, scheduled to begin tomorrow. According to official communication sent to Parliament, the governor will appear in person and has lined up four witnesses to bolster his defence.
The legal team includes Elias Mutua, Zelmer Bonuke, Ombui Ratemo, Brianalee Murithii, and Erastus Orina as lead counsels. Sylvia Njoki and Michelle Makandi will serve as legal assistants. The witnesses are MCAs Priscilla Nyatichi (Nominated), Julius Obonyo (Bobwagamo Ward), Elijah Abere (Nominated), and Gladys Moraa.
Controversy Over Proxy Voting
The impeachment process has been clouded with controversy after the three MCAs Nyatichi, Obonyo, and Abere, disowned letters allegedly written to County Assembly Speaker Thadeus Nyabaro, purportedly authorizing their colleagues to vote on their behalf. During the impeachment session in Nyamira last week, 23 MCAs voted in favour of removing the governor, despite only 19 being physically present. Speaker Nyabaro reportedly allowed five present MCAs to vote by proxy to meet the threshold required to send the matter to the Senate.
Governor Nyaribo’s legal team is expected to lodge a preliminary objection, arguing that the impeachment did not meet constitutional and procedural thresholds. They plan to rely on Senate precedents where impeachment charges against Isiolo’s Abdi Guyo and Kericho’s Eric Mutai were dismissed on technical grounds.
Senate Plenary Hearing Set to Begin
Unlike some previous impeachment hearings handled by select committees, Nyaribo’s case will be heard in a full Senate plenary after a Motion by Majority Leader Sen. Aaron Cheruiyot to form an eleven-member select committee failed due to lack of a seconder. The hearing will officially open tomorrow with the reading of charges leveled against Governor Nyaribo. He faces two accusations:
- Gross violation of the Constitution and other laws
- Abuse of office
Once the charges are read, the governor will be required to enter a plea—either admitting or denying responsibility.
Hearing Procedure
The Nyamira County Assembly, which initiated the impeachment, will present its case first. Its legal team is expected to table documents, outline allegations, and cross-examine witnesses.
Governor Nyaribo’s Defence
The defence will then respond by calling witnesses, challenging evidence, and subjecting the Assembly’s testimonies to cross-examination.
Senate Debate and Vote
After both sides present their cases, the Senate will debate the motion ahead of a decisive vote on Thursday, 4 December 2025.
A majority of county delegations will determine whether the governor is removed from office or the charges are dismissed.
Documents Before the Senate
According to a letter (Ref. SPK/CAN/1/2025) dated November 2025 and received on November 16, 2025, the Speaker of the Nyamira County Assembly informed the Senate that the Motion for impeachment had been approved. The Assembly also forwarded documents and proceedings as evidence for consideration.
The Clerk of the Senate was directed to issue Invitations to Appear on November 27, 2025, and all parties were required to file responses by December 1, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Additionally, the Clerk was instructed to circulate all documents, including the Plenary Hearing Programme, to all senators by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
What’s at Stake
The upcoming hearing is expected to be closely watched, as it may shape the political trajectory of Governor Nyaribo and set a precedent for future county-level impeachments. All eyes will be on the Senate as it weighs constitutional interpretation, procedural fairness, and political accountability.
