Court Halts Replacement of Ousted Migori County Assembly Speaker Charles Owino Pending Legal Hearing
Charles Owino Likoa, the ousted Speaker of the Migori County Assembly, has experienced some respite after the Labour Court in Kisumu issued an order halting the Assembly’s efforts to replace him, pending the outcome of a legal case.
The court order was granted on Tuesday by Justice Stephene Radido of the Kisumu Employment and Labour Relations Court after Likoa filed a petition challenging his impeachment.
The respondent, Migori County Assembly, now has seven days to respond to Likoa’s petition, which he filed on April 30, 2024.
Likoa’s reprieve comes as Migori Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) had already elected Thomas Akungo, who represents the Kaler Ward, as Acting Speaker of the County Assembly.
Akungo’s election took place on the same day as the court order, following the issuance of instructions preventing Deputy Speaker Mathews Chacha from taking up the role of Acting Speaker.
The election of Akungo may have been influenced by the legal situation and the court’s ruling.
The impeachment of Likoa took place the previous week, with the MCAs citing his inability to account for finances at the County Assembly and his perceived lack of effective leadership.
The motion to impeach Likoa was passed almost unanimously during the Assembly session held on April 23, 2024, with 59 out of the 60 MCAs present voting in favor.
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Likoa’s legal challenge underscores the tensions and conflicts within the Migori County Assembly.
His impeachment and the subsequent court order reveal a complex power struggle, which raises questions about the Assembly’s governance and stability.
The legal proceedings may have far-reaching implications for the future leadership and administration of the Migori County Assembly, as they will determine whether Likoa’s removal was justified and whether he will be reinstated.
Furthermore, the ongoing legal battle and the court’s intervention highlight the broader issues of transparency, accountability, and governance within local government institutions.
The resolution of this case will not only affect Likoa’s position but may also set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future.
As the County Assembly navigates this situation, the outcome of the legal case and the Assembly’s response will likely shape the course of its future operations and leadership.
Court Halts Replacement of Ousted Migori County Assembly Speaker Charles Owino Pending Legal Hearing