In 2025, three Kenyan governors faced intense impeachment attempts stemming from clashes with ward representatives. This situation underscored political battles over county resource control, with the Senate dismissing several motions. Will this trend continue into 2026?
The year 2025 brought significant political turbulence in Kenya, particularly regarding attempts to impeach governors. Kericho Governor Erick Mutai, Isiolo's Abdi Guyo, and Nyamira's Amos Nyaribo underwent this process following disputes with ward representatives. Nyaribo faced his third attempt since his 2022 re-election, up to November 25.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja survived a September plot after interventions by President William Ruto and Raila Odinga. Eighty-seven MCAs signed the motion against him, but Sakaja received support from Fred Gumo and Junet Mohamed, ultimately convincing the MCAs to drop the plan. This spared him from becoming the fourth governor removed since 2022.
For Mutai and Guyo, county assemblies approved the motions, but the Senate rejected them for lacking substance. It was Mutai's second rejection; for Guyo, the MCAs failed to prove a valid meeting. These failed bids exposed flaws in some motions, with critics labeling them as political gimmicks driven by fights over billions in county funds and succession politics.
Since 2013, the Senate has handled over 20 governor impeachment cases, with only eight succeeding. Many involved former Embu Governor Martin Wambora, who survived four times and earned the nickname 'governor with nine lives', now seemingly passing to Mutai.
Leaders have warned against misusing these motions. Council of Governors Chair Ahmed Abdullahi stated: 'Many motions are fueled by dirty politics, internal divisions, and succession schemes, rather than actual legal violations.' Senate Speaker Amason Kingi plans meetings with county assembly speakers to establish guidelines. Senator Boni Khalwale suggested formal directives for MCAs, while Ledama Olekina urged the Senate to focus on merits over technicalities.