Senators uphold impeachment of Kisii Deputy Governor Robert Monda

Kisii Deputy Governor Robert Monda has been impeached by the Senate.

Monda lost his seat on Thursday after the majority of Senators voted to uphold the four charges against him by the members of the Kisii County Assembly. 

He becomes the first deputy governor to be impeached, since the start of devolution in Kenya, in 2013. He, however, is the second DG to have his case determined by the Senate after Siaya's William Oduol.

Monda was accused of gross violation of the Constitution and law, abuse of office, gross misconduct, and crimes under national law.

"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," Senate Speaker Amason Kingi said.

On the first and second counts, 39 senators voted in favour of his removal from office, three voted against as one abstained.

On the third count, 35 senators voted in favour of Monda's removal, seven voted against while one abstained.

On the last count, 32 senators voted for his removal, 10 against and one abstained.

The Kisii deputy governor had earlier denied all the charges against him.

The Kisii County Assembly said the deputy governor solicited a bribe of Sh800,000 from a resident to help him secure a job for his son.

“By virtue of the deputy governor requesting and receiving a bribe of Sh800,00 he is in breach of the provisions of Article 232 which obligates public officers to observe the values and principles of public service, " the charges read.

The MCAs said in the charges that Monda used his office to intimidate and cow his family into hiding fearing for their lives in contravention of section 34 of the Integrity Act, 2012.

They said Monda had continuously diverted county enforcement officers from their course of duty to work in his firm.

The DG was impeached by Members of the Kisii County Assembly on Thursday, February 29, after 53 members voted in favour of the ouster motion.