Kisii Deputy Governor Impeached: Senate Upholds Charges

Summary:

• Kisii Deputy Governor Robert Monda has been impeached by the Senate after allegations of bribery and abuse of office. This marks the first removal of a deputy governor through impeachment since 2013. Monda’s defense was criticized, leading to a decisive vote in favor of his removal.

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Kisii Deputy Governor Robert Monda faced impeachment by the Senate, with all four charges presented by the Kisii County Assembly being upheld. This marks the first removal of a deputy governor through impeachment since the establishment of counties in 2013.

Since 2013, 11 governors and three deputies have faced impeachment, but only two, former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko and Ferdinand Waititu of Kiambu, were successfully removed from office. Mr. Monda becomes the fourth deputy governor to be impeached by a county assembly.

The allegations leading to his impeachment centered on accepting an Sh800,000 bribe from Dennis Mokaya in exchange for a job at the Gusii Water and Sanitation Company and the arrest of his own brother, Reuben Monda, for cutting down trees on family land.

During the Senate proceedings, most senators criticized Monda’s defense and questioned his suitability for public office, leading to a decisive vote in favor of upholding all charges.

Following the vote, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi announced Monda’s removal from office, in accordance with the Constitution and County Government Act. Kisii Governor Simba Arati now has 14 days to appoint a new deputy governor unless Monda decides to challenge his removal in court.

Throughout the debate, several senators voiced support for Monda’s removal, citing breaches of integrity and failure to uphold the responsibilities of public office. Others highlighted the impact of corruption on youth employment and family welfare.

In his defense, Monda claimed an erroneous money transfer and denied the bribery accusations. However, senators found his explanations unconvincing.

The impeachment proceedings also revealed familial discord, with Monda’s father testifying against him, further tarnishing his image among senators.

In his closing remarks, Monda expressed embarrassment over the proceedings, attributing them to political vendettas rather than genuine concerns.

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