Homa Bay County Assembly Speaker Julius Gaya has resigned ahead of an impending impeachment motion, which was set to be tabled following mounting pressure from assembly members. Gaya tendered his resignation on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, submitting the letter to Acting Clerk Hannington Abeka in the morning.
Acting Deputy Speaker Samuel Okings Okomo confirmed receipt of Gaya’s resignation and declared the speaker’s seat vacant during a sitting later that day.
“I am in receipt of the resignation letter from Hon. Julius Odhiambo Gaya, addressed to the Clerk, pursuant to Standing Order No. 14a (1),” said Okings.
He also read out Gaya’s letter, which expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve as the Assembly’s third speaker since his election on September 21, 2022.
In his resignation letter, Gaya stated, “I hereby notify this house of the resignation pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order No. 14a (3) and declare the office of the Speaker vacant.”
Gaya had served as the Central Karachuonyo MCA for two terms before stepping down from his bid to reclaim the seat, in support of Governor Gladys Wanga’s election, which resulted in his appointment as Speaker.
Majority Leader Richard Ogindo confirmed that 53 out of 54 assembly members had signed a petition supporting the impeachment motion, signaling Gaya’s inevitable removal. He commended Gaya for his decision to resign before the motion could be formally introduced.
“By deciding to resign, he made the best decision before this house could proceed with the impeachment motion,” said Ogindo.
Gaya’s tenure was marked by controversy, including a high-profile incident in 2018 when he was barred from the assembly for exposing alleged corruption and misconduct. His tenure also came under scrutiny after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) summoned him regarding an investigation into his academic credentials.
Gaya’s resignation, thus, closes a turbulent chapter for the Homa Bay County Assembly, as attention now shifts to electing a new speaker.
