MACHAKOS, Kenya — Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has dismissed County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Finance Catherine Mutanu hours before she was due to appear before the Machakos County Assembly to defend herself against an impeachment motion.
The dismissal effectively halted the planned impeachment proceedings after members of the relevant County Assembly committee ruled that the matter had been overtaken by events following the governor’s decision.
Governor terminates appointment
According to Mua Ward MCA Francis Mwaniki Ngunga, Mutanu had been scheduled to appear before the committee on Monday to respond to allegations contained in an impeachment motion sponsored by Mbiuni MCA Peter Kilonzo.
The hearing had been rescheduled after Mutanu appeared before the committee on Friday, where she requested additional time to prepare her defence.
However, before the proceedings could commence, Governor Ndeti formally relieved the finance executive of her duties.
“In exercise conferred by Section 31(a) of the County Governments Act, I hereby relieve you of your duties as the Machakos County Executive Committee Member for Finance with immediate effect,” the governor’s dismissal letter stated.
Assembly notified
Following the dismissal, County Secretary and Head of Public Service Muya Ndambuki informed the Speaker of the Machakos County Assembly that Mutanu had ceased to hold office.
“This Office has received communication by Her Excellency the Governor, relieving Catherine Mutanu Raphael of her duties as the County Executive Committee Member for Finance with effect from 6th July 2026.
“Please, therefore, take note of this decision/action by Her Excellency the Governor,” the communication read.
Impeachment hearing shelved
Ngunga said the committee would not proceed with the impeachment hearing because the governor’s decision had effectively rendered the motion moot.
“The prayers sought in the impeachment motion have been overtaken by events following the dismissal of the CEC member from office,” he said.
The County Governments Act empowers governors to appoint and dismiss County Executive Committee members, while county assemblies exercise oversight over county executives through mechanisms including impeachment proceedings.
The reasons for Mutanu’s dismissal were not disclosed in the governor’s communication, and it remains unclear whether the county government will appoint an acting finance executive pending the nomination and approval of a substantive replacement by the County Assembly.