In a dramatic showdown at the Kilifi County Assembly premises in Malindi town, Watamu MCA Ibrahim Abdi Matumbo, who also serves as Majority Leader, addressed journalists today following a decisive 40–11 vote to impeach Speaker Teddy Mwambire over alleged gross misconduct.
Matumbo, speaking confidently in the bustling press room, said the motion represented a “clear demand for accountability by the elected representatives of the people.”
He noted that the impeachment vote was not taken lightly, highlighting the grounds as “incompetence, procedural violations, abuse of office, and undermining the assembly’s integrity.”
The watershed vote came after a petition spearheaded by Tezo MCA Thomas Chengo and backed by at least 36 MCAs, including members from ODM and UDA parties.
Matumbo emphasized that the majority had grown increasingly concerned about Mwambire’s conduct, especially his unilateral decision in May to dissolve the Budget & Appropriations Committee and replace it with a “whole-house” panel without sufficient consultation.
Addressing allegations that the speaker was compromising his neutrality,especially given his prominent position in the Kilifi ODM machinery,Matumbo affirmed that these were legitimate concerns.
“Holding a top ODM party seat while presiding over the County Assembly undermines the impartiality expected of that office,” he argued .
The impeachment motion was filed on June 17 by MCA Chengo, citing violations of the County Government Act, PFM Act, Leadership & Integrity Act, and more .
Some residents have decried the move as politically motivated, pointing to underlying succession battles ahead of the 2027 elections .
ODM national leadership had urged MCAs to freeze any motion until an internal fact-finding review could be completed .
Matumbo reassured the public that due process would be followed.
“A 14‑day ad hoc committee, as mandated by law, will now conduct hearings into the alleged misconduct,” he stated .
He also expressed confidence that internal party mechanisms would operate fairly and urged all stakeholders to honor the outcome.
