Editor's Review

Kisii Deputy Robert Monda was impeached on March 14. 

Kisii County Governor Simba Arati has nominated Elijah Obebo to be his deputy.

The nomination was announced on Wednesday, March 20 by Kisii County Assembly Speaker Philip Nyanumba.

“Amendment Act 2012 as led with the provision of the public appointment county assembly’s approval Act 5 of 2017, I do here nominate the following person as shown below for the position of the Deputy Governor for vetting and approval by the county assembly. Name Mr. Elijah Obebo,” the communication to the Speaker read in part.

Obebo currently serves as the Kisii County Public Service Board Chairperson a position he has held since November 2023.

His nomination comes days after the Senate impeached Kisii Deputy Governor Robert Monda who was accused of gross violation of the Constitution and law, abuse of office, gross misconduct, and crimes under national law.

File image of Robert Monda and his legal team at the Senate

Monda allegedly received a Sh800,000 bribe from Dennis Mokaya to help him secure a position at the Gusii Water and Sanitation Company (GWSC).

The former Kisii Deputy Governor was also accused of instigating the arrest and detention of his brother, Reuben Monda.

"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.

Monda is the first deputy governor to be impeached, since the start of devolution in Kenya, in 2013.

However, he has moved to the Kisii Law Courts to appeal his impeachment and save his political career.