Homa Bay County Assembly Speaker Julius Gaya has resigned from his position. His departure came just hours before a planned impeachment motion.
The dramatic resignation occurred on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. Deputy Speaker Okings Okomo announced the news during assembly proceedings.
Julius Gaya, resigned Speaker of the Homa Bay County Assembly; Photo Courtesy
Gaya’s decision appeared to be a strategic move to avoid impeachment. Members of County Assembly (MCAs) had already signed the motion.
The speaker was expected to appear before the assembly on Tuesday morning. The impeachment debate was scheduled for the afternoon session.
In his resignation letter, Gaya expressed gratitude to assembly members. He thanked them for the opportunity to serve as the third speaker.
Julius Gaya who resigned as Speaker of the Homa Bay County Assembly on November 12, 2024.Courtesy photo
The former speaker had held the position since September 2022. His election followed shortly after the General Election that year.
Deputy Speaker Okomo officially declared the speaker’s position vacant. The announcement paved the way for the selection of a new speaker.
The grounds for the planned impeachment remain undisclosed. Neither the assembly nor Gaya has revealed specific reasons.
Local political analysts view this as a significant development. The sudden resignation has sparked discussions about county assembly politics.
MCAs had been quietly gathering support for the impeachment motion. Their efforts ultimately led to Gaya’s pre-emptive resignation.
The timing of the resignation caught many by surprise. It came just as the assembly was preparing for the impeachment debate.
Political observers note this marks a crucial moment for Homa Bay County. The assembly must now begin the process of selecting a new speaker.
The County Assembly Clerk received Gaya’s official resignation letter. The document formally ended his tenure as speaker.
During his leadership, Gaya oversaw numerous assembly sessions. He had served since the implementation of the new Constitution.
Assembly members will now focus on the succession process. The law provides clear guidelines for selecting a new speaker.
The deputy speaker will temporarily oversee assembly proceedings. This arrangement will continue until a new speaker is elected.
County residents have expressed mixed reactions to the development. Many are eager to see how the leadership transition unfolds.
Political parties in the region have begun consultations. They are considering potential candidates for the speaker position.
The county government assured residents of continued operations. Assembly business will proceed under the deputy speaker’s leadership.
Local leaders called for a transparent replacement process. They emphasised the need for qualified leadership in the assembly.
The resignation highlights the dynamic nature of county politics. It demonstrates how quickly political situations can change.
Civil society groups urged for careful consideration in selecting a new speaker. They stressed the importance of competent assembly leadership.
The assembly secretariat has started preparing for the selection process. They will soon announce the timeline for electing a new speaker.
Other county assemblies are watching the situation closely. The case might set precedents for handling similar situations.
Constitutional experts have weighed in on the succession process. They outline clear procedures for filling the speaker position.
