By Lucy Jemeli
In a dramatic turn of events, Turkana County Assembly Speaker Christopher Nakuleu has stepped down, citing political frustrations and the pressures of an impending impeachment motion. Nakuleu tendered his resignation on February 25, 2025, effectively ending his tenure as the county's Speaker. The resignation was formally communicated in a letter addressed to the Clerk of the County Assembly.
In his resignation letter, Nakuleu reflected on his time in office, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve and the invaluable experiences gained throughout his leadership. However, during a subsequent press briefing, he explained that the decision to resign was a result of multiple factors, primarily political frustrations that had been escalating in recent months.
Nakuleu did not shy away from addressing the root cause of his resignation, accusing Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai of undermining the assembly's role and asserting that the executive was encroaching on the legislative functions of the assembly. "The oversight role of this county has seriously been compromised. The Governor wants to usurp the oversight role alongside the executive role, which is unconstitutional," Nakuleu stated during the briefing, hinting at a growing rift between the legislative and executive arms of Turkana County's government.
His resignation came amid increasing pressure from an impeachment motion spearheaded by Kalokol Ward MCA, Michael Ebenyo. Ebenyo had filed the motion, accusing Nakuleu of gross misconduct, financial mismanagement, and abuse of office. One of the primary points of contention was the alleged irregularities in staffing practices under Nakuleu's leadership. Ebenyo claimed that the county assembly's workforce had ballooned to 402 employees—more than four times the recommended 88 staff members for an assembly of its size. This raised concerns about the financial implications of such staffing levels and whether due process had been followed in hiring practices.
The resignation marks a significant turning point in the political dynamics of Turkana County, as tensions between the legislative and executive branches continue to simmer. While Nakuleu's departure may bring temporary relief, questions surrounding the broader political landscape remain unresolved. As Turkana residents and political observers await further developments, the future of the county's leadership appears uncertain, with power struggles likely to continue shaping the county’s political trajectory.
Governor Lomorukai has yet to issue an official statement regarding Nakuleu’s resignation, but political analysts predict that this development may prompt a re-evaluation of the relationship between the county’s executive and legislative arms.
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