Nandi Residents Defy Police Teargas, Demand Governor Sang’s Impeachment in a Night of Drama

BY REUBEN MUSONIK, POLITICAL EDITOR

Nandi County witnessed a night of high-stakes drama on Wednesday, November 13, as locals staged a determined vigil outside the County Assembly, demanding the ouster of embattled Governor Stephen Sang.

Braving teargas from police forces, residents held their ground, chanting songs and pledging to stay until Sang, who faces accusations of financial mismanagement and corruption, is removed. Demonstrators requested live video access to observe the County Assembly proceedings, eager to see if their leaders would address their grievances.

Inside the Assembly chambers, the situation was no less chaotic. MCAs clashed in a frenzied standoff over the impeachment debate, with some hurling objects, jumping over chairs, and even grappling over the Assembly’s Mace. The Sergeant-at-Arms struggled to maintain order as the chambers devolved into a full-blown brawl.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, a vocal critic of Governor Sang, condemned the police’s response to the protests, accusing them of infringing upon the constitutional rights of the residents. “The police have started the riot by throwing teargas at peaceful citizens following the debate at the Assembly grounds,” said Cherargei. “I commend the Nandi people for maintaining peace despite this needless provocation and intend to raise this with Inspector General Douglas Kanja. This is a blatant violation of Article 37 of the Constitution,” he added.

Governor Sang’s time in office has been overshadowed by numerous controversies, with calls for impeachment frequently echoing through Nandi. Residents have repeatedly accused him of underperformance, failing to deliver on development promises, and staffing the county with “ghost workers” on the payroll. Just weeks earlier, on September 24, residents stormed the County Assembly, demanding his removal. Members of the Assembly had to flee as the angry crowd approached, underscoring the depth of public frustration.

As tensions escalate, Nandi residents remain resolute, marking an unprecedented show of public unity and resilience. The coming days will likely determine whether these calls for accountability will translate into action, as all eyes remain fixed on the Assembly and its elected representatives.