Arati picks candidate to replace impeached Monda

Kisii Governor Simba Arati yesterday nominated his County Public Service Board chairman Elijah Obebo to replace the impeached Deputy Governor Robert Monda.

County Assembly Speaker Dr Phillip Nyanumba tabled Obebo’s name for vetting by the county assembly to replace Monda barely a week after he was impeached by the Senate over gross misconduct, abuse of office, violation of the Constitution and the national law.

The Speaker said Arati had nominated Obebo in line with the requirement that he nominates a person for the seat of deputy governor within 14 days of removal from office of the incumbent.

“The Senate gave the governor two weeks to nominate a person for the Deputy Governor’s position and the Assembly will now vet before approving the candidate,” Nyanumba told the House.

Leader of Majority Henry Moracha lauded Arati for picking Obebo to succeed Monda in line with the power-sharing formula which dictated that the deputy governor hails from the Nyaribari clan.
Obebo, like Monda, hails from the populous clan.

Speaking to the press at the Assembly, Moracha said the county will follow due process to endorse the nominee within 14 days.

“We had already vetted Obebo as the chair of the Public Service Board. He is a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party and he is poised to be the next Deputy Governor,” Moracha said.
Legal redress

He said Monda’s move to appeal his impeachment will not stop the Assembly from approving the Deputy Governor, adding that he has a right to seek legal redress.

“We have not been served with a court order and we are within our mandate. Obebo has streamlined the board and is honest,” Moracha said.

Ednah Kwamboka, a nominated MCA said Obebo’s nomination will end in-fighting among leaders and foster development in the county.