Baringo County Assembly Votes to Form Committee Investigating Roads CEC Eng. Lekonaya Kibwalel Over Alleged Misconduct

Baringo – Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) have moved to initiate an inquiry into Roads County Executive Committee Member (CEC), Eng. Lekonaya Kibwalel, focusing on his personal conduct and management style.

According to a new release by Kenya News Agency, a late-night motion on October 25 aimed to impeach Kibwalel, but instead garnered enough votes to establish a committee to investigate him. The vote was 18 in favor of impeachment, 22 against, and one abstention, presided over by Speaker Vincent Kemboi at 9pm.

Kisanana Ward MCA Jacob Cheboiwo, who led the debate, contended that Kibwalel has failed to uphold appropriate standards of dress and personal hygiene, specifically pointing to his untrimmed beard. Cheboiwo further alleged that Kibwalel’s behavior has brought disrepute to his office, accusing him of open drinking and ill-treatment of subordinates, which Cheboiwo claims contributes to poor service delivery.

Tirioko Ward MCA Sam Lokales contributed to the debate, citing an instance when Kibwalel appeared intoxicated at a public event. Mochongoi Ward MCA Kipruto Kimosop supported the impeachment motion, accusing the CEC of casual management of his department. Kimosop said that the Assembly aims to set a precedent with Kibwalel’s case that will send a message to other county officials.

Contrarily, several MCAs rose to Kibwalel’s defense. Ribkwo Ward MCA Daniel Tuwit argued that Kibwalel has been in office for only seven months and should not be held accountable for pre-existing issues in the department. Silale Ward MCA Clement Lomaringoria criticized the impeachment attempt as petty, urging support for Kibwalel, who was vetted by the Assembly, to improve road networks across the county.

At the conclusion of the vote, Speaker Kemboi announced that although the motion for impeachment failed to pass, a special committee would be constituted to investigate the allegations against Kibwalel. The committee is expected to report its findings within ten days.