ADVISORY OPINION
A. INTRODUCTION
[1] In their Reference dated 10th June 2019, the Speakers of the County Assemblies of Nandi, Kericho and Meru (the Applicants) seek this Court’s advisory opinion under Articles 163(6) of the Constitution and Sections 3 and 13 of the Supreme Court Act, 2011. The Reference is premised on the provisions of Articles 6(1), 159(2), 176(1), 177, 178, 181 and 185 of the Constitution as well as Sections 3(d), 7(b) and 11 of the County Government Act 2012 and is supported by the affidavit of Joshua Kiptoo, the Speaker, Nandi County Assembly.
[2] The advisory opinion is sought on the following issues;
(a) Whether the Constitution limits the possible grounds for removal of the Speaker of a County Assembly;
(i) If it does, are the grounds similar to those for the removal of a Governor under Article 181 of the Constitution or other state officers?
(ii) Therefore, what are the grounds for removal of the Speaker of a County Assembly?
(b) Whether there are fair hearing and ad…