In recent days, the political landscape of Kisii county has been marred by controversy and upheaval. The decision by the Kisii county assembly to impeach Deputy Governor Robert Monda has sparked debate and raised eyebrows.
As the dust settles and the implications of this move become clearer, it is imperative to examine the situation critically and consider why the Senate should intervene to save Monda.
Last week, Kisii MCAs voted overwhelmingly in favour of impeaching Monda—53 members voted in support of the removal motion. Monda faced allegations ranging from abuse of office to gross misconduct and crimes under national law.
However, upon closer inspection, one cannot help but detect a whiff of mischief and political vendetta behind these accusations.
Indeed, it is not uncommon for deputy governors to become collateral damage in the power struggles within county governments. A familiar pattern emerges when the relationship between a governor and their deputy sours or when the governor no longer sees the need for their deputy.
Suddenly, allegations surface, motions are tabled, and impeachment proceedings are set in motion—all seemingly orchestrated to remove the deputy from office.
The office of the deputy governor is far from cosmetic; it carries significant responsibilities and serves as a vital component of the county's governance structure. Contrary to the perception that the deputy governor's sole purpose is to please the governor, their role extends beyond mere subservience.
They are entrusted with important duties and are expected to contribute meaningfully to the administration and development of the county.
In the words of American politician John Nance Garner, who served as Vice President under Franklin D Roosevelt, the vice presidency is often deemed as "not worth a bucket of warm spit."
This sentiment reflects the historical underestimation of the role of deputies in political hierarchies. However, in the context of Kisii county and counties across Kenya, we must challenge this perception and accord deputy governors the respect and significance they deserve.
The impeachment of Deputy Governor Monda appears to be yet another instance of political manoeuvring and manipulation. It is a stark reminder of the dangers of allowing personal vendettas and power struggles to overshadow the principles of good governance and democratic accountability.
The Senate, as the custodian of the rule of law and the protector of constitutional principles, must rise to the occasion and intervene in this matter.
The Senate's role in scrutinising impeachment proceedings is crucial in ensuring fairness, transparency, and adherence to due process. It serves as a check against the abuse of power and the manipulation of legal mechanisms for political gain.
Therefore, it is incumbent upon the Senate to thoroughly investigate the allegations levelled against Monda and assess whether they warrant his removal from office.
Are they substantiated by evidence, or are they part of a larger political game? The deputy governor deserves a fair hearing, free from ulterior motives.
If the allegations are proven, appropriate action must be taken. If they are not proven, the Senate must act as a bulwark against injustice.
Moreover, the Senate must send a strong message to governors and county assemblies that political witch hunts and vendettas have no place in our democratic institutions.
The abuse of impeachment processes for personal or political agendas undermines the integrity of our governance systems and erodes public trust in the institutions meant to serve them.
In conclusion, the Senate must act decisively to save Deputy Governor Robert Monda from what appears to be a politically motivated impeachment.
By upholding the principles of fairness, justice and due process, the Senate can reaffirm its commitment to the rule of law and ensure that the democratic aspirations of the people of Kisii are upheld. Anything short of this would be a disservice to the ideals of democracy and the values enshrined in our constitution.
