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In a decisive Thursday late-night session, the Senate voted to remove Kisii Deputy Governor Robert Monda from his position, marking a historic move that upheld the impeachment initiated by the County Assembly.
This decision came after the County Assembly’s move to impeach him, laying out four serious charges that painted a picture of alleged misuse of power and breach of public trust.
The Senate found Monda guilty on all fronts, including gross violations of the Constitution, abuse of office, gross misconduct, and engaging in crimes under national law. The results of the vote were telling: 39 senators believed Monda had abused his office; 35 found him guilty of gross misconduct; and 32 agreed he had committed crimes under national law.
To understand the weight of these accusations, it’s worth noting that for Monda to be impeached, the Senate only needed to find him guilty on one charge. Yet, the overwhelming majority in each category pointed to a broad consensus on his unfitness for office.
Driving the push for Monda’s impeachment was Senate Majority Whip Dr Boni Khalwale. Khalwale pointed to a disturbing incident where Monda allegedly used his power against his own brother. “The madness we are seeing in this house, where a father testifies against his son, and a deputy governor turns against his brother, shows the evil that money can create in society,” Khalwale said.
Migori Senator Eddie Oketch also weighed in, seconding Khalwale’s motion to impeach Dr Monda, which he said was a crucial stand against corruption that affects young Kenyans. In his seconding, Senator Oketch reminded fellow senators of the many educated but unemployed youths forced into corrupt transactions for employment opportunities.
“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 here, who are qualified, who are able and willing to work, but they are to give a bribe.” He said.
In his final statement, Monda offered an apology, expressing regret over the personal matters that had spilled into the public arena and acknowledging his failure to meet the expected standards. “There has been a back and forth that has roped in religious leaders to resolve the matter. I thank you for granting us a chance to present our case, where I have fallen below expectations I tender my apologies,” Monda stated, revealing a moment of reflection amid a politically charged process.
Monda’s impeachment marks a historic first under the 2010 Constitution, as he becomes the first deputy governor to be removed from office through impeachment.
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