Public outrage boiled over in Nandi County on Tuesday when hundreds of residents stormed the County Assembly, demanding the immediate impeachment of Governor Stephen Sang. The dramatic events unfolded as citizens expressed their frustration over alleged mismanagement and corruption under the governor’s leadership.
The protesters, who gathered early morning at the assembly premises, accused Governor Sang of failing to deliver on development promises and presiding over widespread financial irregularities. Their sudden appearance caused such alarm that Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) hastily abandoned their chambers, bringing legislative proceedings to an abrupt halt.
Nandi County Governor Stephen Sang. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA
Security personnel had to intervene to prevent the angry crowd from accessing the Speaker’s office. The residents, however, remained steadfast in their demands for accountability and better governance.
This public demonstration comes in the wake of a controversial decision by Governor Sang’s administration to terminate the employment of over 1,500 county workers in October. The governor defended the mass firing as a necessary step to eliminate illegally hired staff, but critics argue the dismissals were carried out without proper procedures.
Senator Samson Cherargei has emerged as a prominent voice in the opposition against Governor Sang. Despite a police ban on public gatherings, the senator has announced his intention to lead demonstrations on November 12 and 13. “These protests are our constitutional right,” Cherargei declared, emphasising his determination to proceed with the planned demonstrations.
The crisis has deepened further with the ongoing investigation by an ad hoc committee established by the MCAs. The committee has been examining allegations of financial impropriety and investigating numerous incomplete development projects across the county.
Sources close to the committee indicate that their forthcoming report recommends severe actions, including the impeachment of several county executives. The document reportedly calls for the removal of three County Executive Committee members and the dismissal of four chief officers, highlighting the extent of alleged mismanagement within the county government.
Local political analysts suggest that the situation in Nandi County has reached a critical point. There are growing concerns about potential further unrest, with intelligence reports indicating that some residents may attempt to lay siege to the county assembly to force MCAs into taking decisive action against implicated officials.
When approached for comment, Governor Sang maintained a cautious stance, stating that he would reserve his response until after the official release of the committee’s report. This measured approach has done little to calm the growing public discontent in the region.
The controversy has also raised questions about employment practices within the county government. The mass termination of workers has affected numerous families in the region, contributing to the mounting public anger against the administration.
Community leaders have expressed concern about the impact of the political crisis on service delivery within the county. “Essential services are being disrupted while our leaders engage in these political battles,” remarked a local civil society representative, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The situation has attracted attention from neighbouring counties, with some observers warning that the crisis could set a precedent for other regions facing similar governance challenges. Anti-corruption watchdogs have called for a thorough investigation into the allegations against Governor Sang’s administration.
As tensions continue to rise, there are fears that the planned demonstrations could lead to confrontations between protesters and security forces. Local business owners have expressed concern about potential disruptions to their operations during the protests.
The county’s religious leaders have called for dialogue and peaceful resolution of the crisis. They emphasise the need for both sides to prioritise the interests of Nandi residents over political considerations.
Meanwhile, the county assembly is expected to convene an emergency session to discuss the mounting crisis. MCAs are under increasing pressure from their constituents to take decisive action on the committee’s recommendations once they are tabled.
The events in Nandi County highlight the growing demands for accountability in Kenya’s devolved governments. As residents await the official release of the ad hoc committee’s report, the coming days are likely to be crucial in determining Governor Sang’s political future.