The High Court has temporarily barred the implementation of the Senate decision to impeach Governor Martin Wambora pending the hearing of an application by a group of Embu residents.
Justice Richard Mwongo also suspended the swearing in of deputy Governor Dorothy Nditi to take office pending the determination of the case filed by a group of members of the public from the county.
The members of the public said they were not involved in impeachment as required in the Constitution.
The Senate passed the motion to remove the Governor on Tuesday, declaring the seat vacant. Hearing of the petition is set for Monday.
The Orance Democratic Movement (ODM) has criticised President Uhuru Kenyatta’s move to create powerful positions of County Commissioners saying it undermines devolution.
In a statement Thursday, ODM acting party leader Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o said the President has created a powerful structure in counties instead of winding down the Provincial Administration as required by the Constitution.
“This development must not be allowed to succeed. It is tantamount to further increasing the wage bill, escalating constitutional crises and engendering unnecessary political tension in the country,” said Mr Nyong’o.
He added: “It is now clear that President Uhuru Kenyatta has all along been harbouring strong reservations against devolution and an entrenched faith in authoritarian rule.”
On Thursday, President Kenyatta launched the new structure of National Government.
President Kenyatta delegated authority to the County Commissioners to have the final say in executing duties of National Government in the 47 counties.
