By Lilian Katheke
The special committee established by the Machakos County Assembly to investigate the proposed removal of Finance, Economic Planning and Revenue Management CECM Catherine Mutanu Raphael has unveiled an eight-day work plan.
It details a process and timelines that will culminate in the tabling of its findings before the House on July 8.
The timetable, adopted by the Select Committee, sets out a structured process that will see members elect their leadership, receive evidence from the mover of the impeachment motion and listen to responses from the embattled county executive, before retreating to prepare a report recommending whether or not Mutanu should be removed from office.
According to the programme, the committee will hold its inaugural sitting on Wednesday, July 1, during which members will elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson before adopting the work plan.
On the same day, the committee secretariat will issue formal invitations to both Finance CECM and the mover of the impeachment motion, Mbiuni MCA Peter Kilonzo, notifying them of the inquiry proceedings.
The committee’s second meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 2, beginning at 10.00 a.m., when members will review the impeachment motion and identify the issues for determination.
At 11.00 a.m., they will hear evidence from Kilonzo, who is expected to present the grounds upon which the Assembly voted to initiate the removal process.
The committee will then convene its third sitting on Friday, July 3, at 10.00 a.m., specifically to examine Mutanu.
The Finance CECM will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations levelled against her as the committee record her evidence.
Following the hearings, committee members and the Assembly secretariat will spend the period between July 3 and July 7 preparing and adopting the committee report.
The final report is expected to be tabled before the County Assembly on Wednesday, July 8, where MCAs will debate its recommendations before making the final determination on Mutanu’s fate.
The inquiry follows the Assembly’s approval of a motion seeking Mutanu’s removal from office under Article 196 of the Constitution, Section 40(3)(b) of the County Governments Act, 2012, and Standing Order 62(8).
The impeachment process comes amid an escalating standoff between the Assembly and the county executive.
Mutanu has been accused of failing to comply with Assembly directives, including orders to halt implementation of the new property valuation roll.
She has also been under criticism over delayed disbursement of funds to the Assembly, a situation that legislators say has forced the institution to borrow money to pay salaries for Members of County Assembly and staff for three consecutive months.
Mutanu also faces accusations of habitual failure to appear before the Assembly committees by feigning to be busy.
The committee’s recommendations will determine whether the Assembly votes to uphold the impeachment and remove Mutanu from office or dismiss the motion, allowing her to continue serving as Finance CECM.
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