Robert Monda, the Deputy Governor of Kisii County, has been removed from office following an impeachment process, bringing an end to a prolonged power struggle with Governor Simba Arati.
The decision to oust Monda was made on Thursday evening after a Senate vote upheld four charges leveled against him by the Kisii County Assembly.
This impeachment marks a historic moment, as Monda becomes the first deputy governor to be removed from office since the inception of devolution in Kenya in 2013. He is only the second deputy governor to have his case adjudicated by the Senate, following William Oduol of Siaya.
Monda faced allegations of gross violation of the Constitution and other laws, abuse of office, gross misconduct, and offenses under national law. He was found guilty on all four charges.
“Following the division, it is evident that the senators have upheld the impeachment charges, which include gross violation of the Constitution and other laws, abuse of office, gross misconduct, and offenses under national law,” ruled Senate Speaker Amason Kingi.
Thirty-nine Senators voted in favor of the first two charges, with three opposing and one abstaining. For the third charge, 35 Senators supported Monda’s removal, while seven dissented and one abstained. On the fourth charge, 32 Senators voted for his removal, with one against and one abstention.
Among the accusations against Monda was the solicitation of Sh800,000 from a local resident to secure a job for his son, along with alleged intimidation of the family when they complained. These actions were deemed violations of the Integrity Act of 2012 and other regulations by County Assembly members.
Senator Bonny Khalwale, who spearheaded the motion to impeach Monda, asserted that the charges had been proven beyond reasonable doubt.
“We will be lying to ourselves that the young man has not proved that he sent money to the Deputy Governor, we will be lying to ourselves if we discount the evidence of the two ladies, and we will be lying to ourselves, if we told the country that the DG did not receive the money,” Khalwale said.
Senator Eddy Oketch of Migori voiced concerns about the impact of corruption on youth employment opportunities.
He argued, “I might not know if the Deputy Governor is guilty or not, but I know that today’s vote will be for the millions of youths who are hustling out there, who are qualified, who are able and willing to work, but they are [forced] to give a bribe.”
Meanwhile, Minority Whip Ledama Ole Kina lamented the public spectacle of family conflicts resulting from the impeachment proceedings. He questioned the example set for future generations by such displays of discord within the leadership.
