The Senate has upheld the decision to impeach Robert Monda as Kisii County Deputy Governor.
The senate decision on Thursday, March 14, 2024, was the culmination of a process that was started by Kisii Members of County Assembly.
Besieged Monda was accused of abusing his office, gross misconduct, and committing crimes under national laws.
39 senators voted to uphold the charge of abuse of office, with three opposed and one abstained. On the charge of gross misconduct, 35 senators voted yes, three opposed, and one abstained.
34 senators found Monda guilty of committing crimes under the national law, while 10 tried to save him from the charge with one abstaining from voting.
The decision by the senate means Simba Arati’s deputy lost his fight against all the charges preferred against him in Parliament.
The Senate impeachment motion was led by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who is also the Senate Majority Whip.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi read the decision that put the final nail in Monda’s coffin.
“The result of the division indicates that the senators have upheld the following impeachment charges: gross violation of the constitution and any other law, abuse of office, gross misconduct, and crimes under national law.”
“Pursuant to Article 181 of the Constitution, Section 33(7) of the County Government’s Act, and Standing Order 86 of the Senate Standing Orders, the Senate has resolved to remove from office by impeachment Dr. Robert Monda, the Deputy Governor of Kisii County, and the deputy governor therefore ceases to hold office,” Kingi said.
New precedence
Monda becomes the first deputy governor to be impeached in Kenya since the inception of devolution, which was introduced by the 2010 Constitution.
He is, however, the second deputy governor to face the Senate over an impeachment case after Siaya’s William Oduol.
