Impeachment of powerful Public Service Management minister Bernard Osumo took a dramatic twist on Monday when County Assembly decided to challenge orders by Industrial and Labour Relations Court.
Last week, Justice Nduma Nderi gave Mr Osumo a temporary reprieve when he ordered the assembly to stop any discussions and investigations against him until a case filed in court is heard and determined.
Consequently, the court barred the assembly from impeaching or, and terminating the employment of the minister, a move that angered Assembly Majority Leader Duke Masira.
"We cannot be fighting corruption but the courts decide to drag us back. We are not going to allow this kind of impunity. If at all we wanted money, we would have cleared him long ago," he protested.
Mr Osumo is accused for among others, gross misconduct, abuse of office and defying the assembly. He had been instructed to pay Sh24 million to a section of workers who were seconded by National Government to the county.
But the impeachment could now delay despite the assembly debates after the county assembly leadership moved to court to challenge the orders.
"Hearing of the case will be in July. We opted to follow the law and handle the matter in court. However, that doesn't mean that the assembly's position that he must appear for probing has changed," said Mr David Ombego.
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