Kisii Deputy Governor Robert Monda has been impeached by members of the Kisii County Assembly in a session held Thursday evening. The motion for his ouster garnered 53 votes in favor, citing abuse of office and allegations of bribery.
Monda’s impeachment was supported by a significant majority, with only 15 members opposing the motion. While the Deputy Governor did not address journalists following the decision, those who opposed the motion decried it as a blow to democracy in Kisii County.
Bouse Mairura, representing Masimba under the UDA party, lamented the impeachment as a display of political deception and an indictment of Governor Simba Arati’s leadership character.
MCA Wycliffe Siocha of Ichuni defended his decision to file the impeachment motion, emphasizing his duty to uphold oversight responsibilities, despite his personal relationship with Monda.
Amos Onderi, Bikimonge MCA, expressed concern over the predetermined nature of the motion, highlighting the lack of consideration for Monda’s defense and its implications for democracy.
Despite the impeachment, Onderi called on the Senate to ensure fairness and justice in their deliberations on the matter, expressing hope for a more reasoned judgment.
Lilian Gor, a nominee, condemned the impeachment vote, characterizing it as a threat to democracy and alleging manipulation and distortion of facts.
Lead counsel for Monda, Katwa Kigeni, criticized the basis of the motion, suggesting that it lacked solid grounds, especially considering ongoing investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
Monda vehemently denied allegations of bribery during his defense before the assembly, explaining that financial transactions cited were related to repayment of a debt owed by the family of Denis Misati, not bribery to influence employment.
He clarified that the money forwarded to individuals, including the managing director of Gusii Water and Sanitation Company, was intended for other purposes, not as a bribe.
Monda also addressed the incident involving his brother’s arrest, asserting that he had reported the matter to the police rather than resorting to violence.
The impeachment motion against Monda, spearheaded by Wycliffe Siocha of ODM, revolves around allegations of abuse of office, bribery, and his brother’s arrest following a domestic dispute.
