Migori MCAs have elected a colleague who tabled the impeachment motion of speaker Owino Likowa to take over the same seat in an acting capacity.
Kaler MCA Thomas Akungo, who is serving his second term was elected on Tuesday to act as Migori speaker and chair the county assembly service board.
ODM majority whip and Muhuru Bay MCA Lawrence Magubo said the ward rep was elected after Likowa was impeached last week.
“We had Bukira Central MCA Mathews Chacha, who was the deputy speaker take over last week, but he informed us he won't take over as speaker because of active court cases,” Magubo said.
Chacha is part of the board, which has been charged in court over alleged corruption and abuse of office.
Majority leader and South Sakwa MCA Ken Ouma was removed from the assembly board and replaced with nominated MCA Elizabeth Ochaye.
“We took these measures to ensure the assembly continues to function,” Magubo said.
Akungo said just because he tabled the motion to kick out Likowa did not mean he wished to take over the same seat and his colleagues picking him “was just mere coincidence”.
“Last week, all members, except one, unanimously chose to impeach the speaker. Until yesterday, we had Chacha acting as speaker but he chose to step down,” he said.
Akungo thanked the MCAs for having faith in him, saying they will work together to steer the House by expediting operations.
Last week on Tuesday, Likowa was impeached over alleged mishandling of House affairs when 59 out of 60 MCAs present during the afternoon session accepted the decision.
Likowa’s impeachment came at a time he has been battling cases in court challenging his election as the speaker of the Migori county assembly.
In February 2023, activist Isaac Aluochier, who vied to become Migori county assembly speaker but lost, challenged Likowa’s victory in court.
High Court judge Roseline Wendoh ruled that Likowa’s election was null and void.
The court ordered that a fresh election be conducted in 21 days, but Likowa’s lawyer sought stay orders to allow the filing of an appeal.
