The political power struggle between President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga unfolded during the voting process on the impeachment motion against Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol in the Senate.
Ahead of the vote, senators aligned with Kenya Kwanza and Azimio coalitions received phone calls from their respective coalition leaders. Ruto’s allies sought to protect the deputy governor, while the opposition aimed to remove him from office.
In the end, Oduol survived the impeachment attempt with 27 senators voting against the Senate Special Committee report that recommended his removal, while 16 senators, primarily from Azimio, voted in favor of his ouster.
Senators aligned with Ruto openly supported the deputy governor during the proceedings.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi declared, “The net effect of this vote is that pursuant to Article 181 of the Constitution, Section 33(8) of the County Government Act and Standing Order 87 of the Senate Standing Orders, the Senate has failed to remove from office by impeachment William Oduol, the Deputy Governor of Siaya County. The Deputy Governor accordingly continues to hold office.”
The Siaya county assembly had impeached Oduol unanimously, with all 42 members voting to remove him from office over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of power. The Senate’s role was to either endorse the assembly’s decision or overturn it.
During the Senate debate, Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua urged his fellow senators to set aside their party affiliations and assess the matter on its merits.
However, Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa opposed Oduol’s removal, arguing that if he had made any inappropriate statements, he should be given an opportunity to retract them instead of being forced out of office.
Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni highlighted the precedent set by the impeachment of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu over integrity issues. Omogeni argued that Oduol should not be allowed to remain in office for interfering with procurement processes intended to benefit the women and youth of Siaya.
After the impeachment attempt failed, an elated Oduol addressed the media and expressed his gratitude to the Senate for saving him. He also pledged to mend his working relationship with Siaya Governor James Orengo so that they could serve the people effectively.
“I would like to thank the Senate for deeming it fit to prevent my impeachment. I am now committed to repairing my relationship with Governor James Orengo, ensuring that we can serve the people of Siaya who elected us for the next four years,” Oduol stated.
