The Special Committee investigating the proposed removal of County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance, Economic Planning, and Revenue Management, Mr. Peter Mwikya Kilonzo, commenced its hearings on Monday, December 9, 2024, at the County Assembly Chambers. Chaired by Nguni MCA Hon. Jeremiah Musee Mutua, the committee was tasked with investigating four charges against Mr. Kilonzo, including gross violation of the Constitution, incompetence, abuse of office, and gross misconduct.

The hearing began with the mover of the motion, Hon. Antony Msyimi Musyoka (MCA Kiomo/Kyethani), reading the charges against Mr. Kilonzo. Accompanied by his legal counsel, Mr. Musyoki Kimanthi, Mr. Kilonzo listened as the allegations were outlined before the committee. Hon. Mutua assured all parties of a fair and impartial process, emphasizing the gravity of the matter at hand.

The committee questioned several witnesses, including Mr. Peter Gitonga Nkunda, CECM for Water and Irrigation; Hon. Zacchaeus Ivutha Syengo, Chair of the County Budget and Appropriations Committee, who testified virtually; and Hon. Harrison Maluki Mawia, Majority Leader and a member of the Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Irrigation. Additional witnesses included Hon. Benjamin Ndambu Mulandi, a member of the Committee on Finance and Economic Planning, and Hon. Godfrey Muthengi Ndagara, Deputy Majority Party Whip and a member of the Committee on Public Investments and Accounts.

Notably, Mr. Ismael Gurhan, the County Budget Officer from the Office of the Controller of Budget, Kitui, who was scheduled to testify, failed to appear before the committee. His absence raised questions about the completeness of the evidence being considered.

The investigation follows the County Assembly’s approval of a motion to remove Mr. Kilonzo from office on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. The motion, presented in accordance with Section 40 of the County Governments Act, 2012, and Standing Order No. 62, led to the formation of the Special Committee to examine the allegations in detail.

The committee officially began its proceedings on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, and will prepare a report to present to the County Assembly for consideration. The findings of the report will determine the next steps in the process.

If the committee substantiates the allegations and the County Assembly adopts the report, the Assembly will advise the Governor to dismiss Mr. Kilonzo from his position as per the provisions of Section 40 of the County Governments Act, 2012. This decision could significantly impact the county’s leadership and governance dynamics.

As the hearings continue, key questions remain: Will the absence of critical witnesses undermine the investigation? Can Mr. Kilonzo successfully defend himself against the charges? The outcome of this case will likely set a precedent for accountability and justice in the county government.