Human rights and constitutional lawyer Willis Otieno has strongly criticized the wave of impeachment motions targeting county governors, saying the process has been weaponized for political score-settling rather than accountability.
Speaking during a radio interview on Thursday, September 4, 2025, Otieno argued that the impeachment process is no longer about fighting corruption but about punishing governors who fall out with the ruling coalition or powerful political figures.
“Impeachment has become a tool to settle political scores. The choice of governors facing trial shows clear political targeting within Kenya Kwanza. Even the charges reveal conflicts of interest. I do not believe this is a genuine fight against corruption,” Otieno said.
He further argued that if the government was serious about fighting graft, the threshold of charges would be higher, pointing out that conflict-of-interest accusations are often politically driven.
Otieno cited examples of governors who have been targeted due to internal political disputes. “Look at Barchok in Bomet, Wangamati in Bungoma, and Natembeya. All of them have their infights, either with Senators or national leaders. These impeachments are instigated, not genuine,” he added.
The lawyer’s remarks came days after the impeachment motion against Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja was temporarily halted following interventions by President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Raila met with Sakaja and ODM-allied Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation (JOOF). During the meeting, Sakaja reportedly apologized and acknowledged the concerns raised by the MCAs, who later agreed to suspend the impeachment bid for one month.
ODM Nairobi Chairperson George Aladwa confirmed the truce, noting that the decision allows space for reconciliation. “We have deliberated for nearly four hours. The party has resolved to drop the impeachment to correct the wrongs and give the Governor time to adjust his leadership,” Aladwa said.
While the temporary truce provides breathing space for Sakaja, Otieno insists the broader impeachment trend highlights how governance tools are being manipulated to silence dissenting voices.
