MONDA IMPEACHED!

Dr Robert Monda has become the first Deputy Governor to retire from office as the senate upholds all the four charges that were leveled against him. The senators voted overwhelmingly to impeach him as many loopholes were exposed in his defense. The writings were on the wall as most senators questioned his defense and his ability to hold public office.

The former Nyaribari Chache legislator found himself on a razor blade’s edge as witness after witness, evidence presented against him implicated him in the charges leveled against him.

At the heart of the matters that caused the impeachment of Dr. Monda is a bribe of Kshs 800,000 given to him by one Dennis Misati, intended to influence a commercial officer vacancy at GWASCO in the latter’s favor. Dr Monda had then forwarded Kshs 100,000 to Lucy Kahito the managing director at GWASCO who had subsequently returned the money to him. The act of detaining his brother for cutting his trees was also eye-catching evidence of Dr Monda’s impunity.

Moving the motion on the floor of the house Senator Bonny Khalwale passionately presented a speech on why the Deputy Governor should be sent packing. He described Dr Monda as an individual who was drunk with the arrogance of power. According to Bonny the Deputy Governors defence was twisting evidence and trying to manipulate the affidavits being presented in the house to discredit tangible evidence. He described that the action of sending Dr Monda home would be a victory for all the young people seeking equal opportunities in employment in the country.

“I leave it to the conscience of the nation to judge whether the Deputy Governor’s body language and conduct are fit for him to hold public office.” He spoke.

When it was time to vote, the speaker ruled that senators on the floor would vote electronically, while those absent would vote by voice.

On the charge of gross violation of the constitution, 39 senators voted in favor, 10 against while 1 abstained.

On the charge of abuse of office again 39 senators voted in favor, 10 against while 1 abstained.

On the charge of gross misconduct, 35 senators voted in favor, 7 were against and 1 abstained.

On the last charge of crimes under national law, 32 senators voted in favor, 10 against while 1 abstained.

Kisii senator Richard Momoima Onyonka abstained from the voting saying before voting started that he did not want to take sides in the matter at hand.

In his ruling speaker Amason Kingi said, “The results of the vote indicate that the senate has upheld all the charges and pursuant with Article 181 of the constitution and Article 33 of the County Governments Act, the senate has resolved to remove Dr Robert Monda by way of Impeachment. He is therefore relieved from his duties.”

Kisii County Governor Simba Arati now has 14 days to choose another Deputy, if Dr Monda does not move to court to challenge his removal from office.

Many senators when allowed to deliberate on the matter were very emotional and shared powerful sentiments. 

According to Kitui Senator Hon. Wambua, “the key witness in the defence of the Deputy Governor has broken the hearts of millions of fathers and sons in the country.”

According to Kiambu senator Hon. Karungu, “the question tonight is to impeach or not to impeach, if a youth is bribing Kshs 800,000 to get a job that is worth Kshs 100,000 after taxation, when a brother turns against a brother, when a father turns against a son, to impeach or not to impeach”

According to Nyeri senator Wamatinga Wahome, “I tell the youth that this country belongs to everyone that believes in themselves, it is the responsibility of this house to ensure that we inspire the youths.”

According to Nominated senator Gloria Orwoba, ’ It is a very sad day for Kisii county where I happen to come from, Kisii is known for positive things, beautiful people, Kisii county human resource is top-notch engineers, doctors, lawyers, it is a sad day because Kisii County has been subjected to a lot of negativities.”

Dr Monda concluded that he was embarrassed by the scenario at the senate for the past two days having had to discuss his private family issues in the glare of the public.