Baringo: Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has called on the nine governors who have been summoned to appear before the Senate Committee on Finance, Commerce and Economic Affairs to honour the summonses.
Baringo Senator Gideon Moi (centre), flanked by area Governor Benjamin Cheboi (right), addresses the media after a Sunday service at AIC in Eldama Ravine town
Mr Moi, who was attending a Sunday service at A.I.C in Eldama Ravine town, said the summonses were procedural and the governors should turn up to clear the air on some issues.
“Summoning of the county heads is procedural and all those called should turn up to make required clarification,” said Moi.
The nine governors summoned are Isaac Ruto (Bomet) who is also Council of Governors’ Chairman, Ken Lusaka (Bungoma), William Kabogo (Kiambu), and Ahmed Abdullahi (Wajir).
Others are Kitui Governor Julius Malombe, Jack Ranguma (Kisumu), Samuel ole Tunai (Narok) and Hussein Dato (Tana River).
Moi, at the same time, explained why he was the only senator who voted on Friday against the impeachment of Embu Governor Martin Wambora.
He said he took the decision against those who supported the move purely as a matter of principle but defended his colleagues saying it was their democratic right.
“I respect them the way they respected my sole decision because what they did was within the law,” said Moi.
The senator, who is also Senate Committee on Energy, Transport and Roads chairman, reiterated the need for governors and senators to co-exist harmoniously saying their prime duty was to protect devolution.
“There is no way the two will perform without the other and that is why they should not be at loggerheads but work as a team,” he said.
Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi said the Constitution was clear on the role of senators and advised his fellow governors who feel aggrieved to seek redress by following what the law stipulate in regard to impeachment.
“The senators were doing what is mandated by the Constitution. It is now upon those who think otherwise to go the right way in seeking justice,” said Cheboi.
However, the governor maintained that there was need to look at the Constitution with a view to initiating some amendments insisting that what occurred in Embu and other counties could possibly paralyse activities and cause confusion.
Meanwhile, Moi has asked the National Lands Commission to visit the controversial Mochongoi Settlement Scheme that has witnessed unrest for the last one week.
By Vincent Mabatuk, The Standard
