MPs withdraw motion to impeach Health CS Kariuki

What you need to know:

  • The MPs had also accused CS Kariuki of interfering with the recruitment process of the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency chief executive.
  • Mr Duale said the accusations against the CS were not serious and would be addressed at the Cabinet level.

Health Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki today survived impeachment after intervention by President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto.

Mandera North MP Bashir Abdullahi had filed the motion, citing gross misconduct and abuse of office as the grounds for the removal of Ms Kariuki.

He accused the CS of arrogance and lack of respect for elected leaders.

His Belgut colleague Nelson Koech was lined up to second the motion that put the CS on the spot for suspending Kenyatta National Hospital chief executive Lily Koros following a surgery mix-up at the facility.

FUNDS MISUSE
The MPs had also accused the CS of interfering with the recruitment process of the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency chief executive.

They further accused her of misusing public funds by ordering a refurbishment of an entire office floor at Afya House.

The MPs, alongside National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale, announced withdrawal of the motion.

“This morning we had a meeting with the party leadership and resolved that this matter be addressed internally using the Jubilee Party structures,” Mr Abdullahi said.

PRIORITIES
The Nation has established that the two MPs were summoned at the office of the deputy president on Wednesday evening, where they were directed to withdraw the motion.

The President, who was at another event, addressed the MPs on phone.

Mr Duale said the accusations against the CS were not serious and would be addressed at the Cabinet level.

“We have a strong working relationship with the executive and we believe that this matter can be dealt with at other levels.

"At the moment, we have serious issues to deal with including budget, food security and devolution,” Mr Duale said.

IMPEACHMENT
Previous attempts to have CSs impeached have failed after petitioners either failed to prove their claims or were not present in the House to move the motions.

In 2015, House Speaker Justin Muturi dismissed a petition by Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter seeking the removal of the then Devolution CS Anne Waiguru over claims of gross misconduct and abuse of office.

The Speaker set tough conditions that MPs seeking to initiate impeachment proceedings against the President, his deputy, CSs and constitutional office holders must fulfil before such motions can be approved.