Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-03-14 21:16:52
Kisii County Deputy Governor Robert Monda faced a major setback as he was impeached by the Senate. The decision to remove him from office was supported by the majority of Senators in a vote that took place at 12 am on Friday, March 15. This decision was in alignment with the resolution made by the Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) of Kisii County.
The grounds for the impeachment of the Deputy Governor included allegations of abuse of office, gross violation of the Constitution, gross misconduct, and involvement in crimes under national law. The Senate hearings revealed that Monda was accused of accepting a bribe of Ksh800,000 to secure a job for Dennis Mokaya at the Gusii Water and Sanitation Company Limited (GWASCO). However, Mokaya disclosed during the proceedings that despite the bribe, he did not secure the job as promised, leading to significant distress and a traumatic experience for his family.
Additionally, Monda was also accused of using his position to intimidate his brother, further substantiating the claims against him. The Senate vote on the four charges brought against the Deputy Governor resulted in overwhelming support for his removal:
1. Gross Violation of the Constitution: Ayes – 39, Nays – 3, Abstentions – 1.
2. Abuse of Office: Ayes – 39, Nays – 3, Abstentions – 1.
3. Gross Misconduct: Ayes – 35, Nays – 7, Abstentions – 1.
4. Crimes Under National Law: Ayes – 32, Nays – 10, Abstentions – 1.
The center of the impeachment proceedings revolved around the corruption allegations and misuse of power by the Deputy Governor, with the Senate’s decision reflecting the seriousness of the accusations against him. Following Monda’s impeachment, the responsibility now falls on Kisii Governor Simba Arati to nominate a new Deputy Governor within the next 14 days. The nominee will then undergo scrutiny by the County Assembly within 60 days before assuming office.
This significant development in Kisii County marks a pivotal moment in local governance and accountability, emphasizing the importance of upholding ethical standards and integrity in public service. Governor Simba Arati’s role in appointing a new Deputy Governor will be crucial in restoring public trust and ensuring transparency in the county’s administration.
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