Kenya: Kisii Deputy Governor Robert Monda Impeached

Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-03-01 06:00:26

Kisii Deputy Governor Robert Monda faced a tough challenge on Thursday, February 29, as he was impeached from office by the Members of the County Assembly (MCAs). The MCAs voted in favor of his ouster, with 53 members supporting the motion. This decision came after Monda was accused of bribery, abuse of power, and other misconduct, leading to the impeachment motion against him.

The impeachment process was initiated by Ichuni MCA Wycliffe Siocha, who accused Monda of engaging in corrupt activities. Specifically, Monda was alleged to have accepted a bribe in exchange for influencing the employment of a youth in the county office. Despite the existence of mobile money transactions and bank statements as evidence, Monda defended himself by claiming that the money he received was actually a repayment for a loan he had granted to the youth’s father.

Monda explained that the Ksh500,000 he received was part of a business deal he had with the youth’s father, who was a family friend. He denied using his influence to secure employment at the Gusii Water and Sanitation Company, even though part of the money allegedly went to the company’s Managing Director. City lawyer Katwa Kigen, who represented the Deputy Governor, sought to halt the impeachment process through legal means. However, the court rejected the application, citing the urgency of the situation.

The impeachment process faced criticism from some members of the Assembly who voted against the motion. They claimed that the process lacked transparency and democracy, arguing that it was unfair to Monda. Despite their opposition, the majority of the MCAs supported the impeachment, leading to Monda’s removal from office.

The Deputy Governor’s defense centered on the nature of the financial transaction and his relationship with the youth’s father. He maintained that the money he received was legitimate and not a bribe as alleged. The controversy surrounding Monda’s impeachment highlighted the challenges faced by public officials in fulfilling their duties and dealing with accusations of misconduct.

In conclusion, the impeachment of Kisii Deputy Governor Robert Monda marked a significant moment in the county’s political landscape. The accusations of bribery and abuse of power raised serious concerns about governance and integrity. While Monda defended himself against the allegations, the decision of the MCAs to remove him from office reflected the gravity of the situation. The aftermath of the impeachment would undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the leadership and governance of Kisii County.

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