Nyamira County Governor Amos Nyaribo is confronting the third attempt to remove him from office, with a special sitting of the County Assembly scheduled for Monday, November 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM EAT to debate the impeachment motion. The motion, brought by Bonyamatuta Ward MCA Julius Kimwomi Matwere, accuses the governor of gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office, and other breaches of law, echoing charges from two previous failed attempts.

This latest political challenge underscores the persistent instability that has plagued Nyamira's leadership, raising significant concerns among residents and national oversight bodies about the delivery of devolved services. The timing is particularly critical, coming just weeks after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) raided the governor's homes and offices in connection with alleged corruption.

A Pattern of Allegations

The notice for the special sitting, gazetted and signed by the Assembly Clerk, outlines charges that mirror previous ouster attempts. Past motions have included a dozen specific grievances, such as the illegal employment of senior officials, conspiracy to defraud the county through payroll manipulation, failure to establish a mandatory County Disability Board, and alleged discrimination in the distribution of education bursaries. In a January 2024 incident cited in a prior motion, Governor Nyaribo was accused of stating that bursaries should be restricted to children of parents registered as voters in Nyamira.

The current motion also surfaces as the EACC actively investigates Governor Nyaribo. On October 29, 2025, EACC detectives conducted raids as part of a probe into the alleged irregular procurement and award of a KSh 382 million tender for the construction of county government offices. The commission is also investigating claims that the governor irregularly authorized payments to himself totaling KSh 18 million.

Two Narrow Escapes

Governor Nyaribo, who ascended to power in December 2020 following the death of his predecessor John Nyangarama, has twice survived removal by the slimmest of margins. The first impeachment attempt in October 2023, moved by Esise Ward MCA Josiah Mang'era, was defeated with 18 MCAs voting against it versus 16 in favour.

A second, more perilous attempt occurred in September 2024. In that vote, 22 MCAs supported his removal, falling just one vote short of the required two-thirds majority of 23 to send the matter to the Senate for trial. That motion was sponsored by nominated MCA Evans Matunda. Following each survival, the governor has maintained his innocence, attributing the impeachment bids to political witch-hunts by rivals aiming to derail his development agenda. His legal team has consistently argued that the motions are based on unsubstantiated rumours rather than evidence.

The Political Calculus in a Fractured Assembly

The Nyamira County Assembly has been the epicentre of deep-seated political divisions, which have previously led to the unprecedented situation of two parallel assemblies operating concurrently. The conflict, stemming from the initial impeachment attempt and the subsequent ouster of Speaker Enock Okero, created institutional paralysis that required judicial and Senate intervention to resolve. With Thaddeus Nyabaro now recognized as the Speaker, the assembly remains a volatile political environment.

The upcoming vote will be influenced by these complex dynamics. With by-elections pending in three wards, the assembly will consist of 31 voting members, meaning the threshold for impeachment is now 21 votes. Governor Nyaribo needs to secure the support of at least 10 MCAs to survive this third attempt. His United Progressive Alliance (UPA) party has previously issued directives to its members to oppose the ouster, warning of disciplinary action for non-compliance.

Implications for Devolution and Governance

The recurring leadership battles in Nyamira highlight broader challenges facing Kenya's devolved system of government. The constant political infighting between the county executive and the assembly threatens to cripple service delivery and erode public trust. Observers note that the disputes often revolve around the control of county resources and institutional power struggles, rather than substantive policy disagreements. As MCAs prepare for Monday's historic vote, the future of Nyamira's leadership and its ability to function effectively hang in the balance, with national implications for the stability and promise of devolution in Kenya.