Major Split in UDA as Cherargei Demands Governor’s Impeachment

UDA leaders in the Rift Valley region find themselves divided after a court ruling invalidated the appointment of Nandi County Executive Committee Members (CECs).

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei and Governor Stephen Sang are engaged in a public dispute, with the Senator threatening to rally Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to initiate an impeachment motion against the Governor, citing alleged violations of the constitution.

Senator Cherargei sees the court ruling as a victory for the residents of Nandi County, describing it as a welcome development.

However, Governor Sang has taken a different stance, stating that he will not proceed with the re-advertisement of the County Executive positions, as instructed by the court. Instead, he intends to appeal the ruling.

The court decision, issued by Judge Maurine Onyango, followed a petition filed by Onesimus Kimeli, challenging the composition of the county executive appointed by Governor Sang after his re-election for a second term in the 2022 elections.

The petitioner argued that Sang’s re-appointment of the eight members did not involve vetting by the county assembly and did not adhere to the third gender rule mandated by the Constitution. This development has raised concerns of a potential clash among UDA leaders in the Rift Valley