Special Senate Committee recommends impeachment of Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol

Special Senate Committee hearing the Impeachment case of Siaya County Deputy Governor William Oduol led by Senator William Kisang (centre) Senators Miraj Abdulrahman (left) and Raphael Chimera arrive with the report at the Senate, Parliament buildings, Nairobi. June 26, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

According to a report tabled by Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang, committee chairman, the committee voted to oust Oduol on two grounds.

"The Special Committee having investigated the matter in accordance with its mandate under section 33(4) of the County Governments Act and standing order 80(2) of the Senate Standing Orders reports to the Senate that it finds-That the Charge against the Deputy Governor on Gross Violation of the Constitution and other Laws, on the allegation of Interference with the Procurement Process through Acts of Bid- Rigging has been substantiated," the report reads in part.

"The Charge against the Deputy Governor on Abuse of Office and Gross Misconduct on the allegation of Misleading the Public by Giving False Information has been substantiated,"

The report has been tabled before the House, after which the Senators will vote to either uphold or dismiss the impeachment.

The committee members are Senators William Kisang (Elgeyo Marakwet), Abass Mohammed (Wajir), Mwenda Gataya Mo Fire (Tharaka Nithi), Okong'o Omogeni (Nyamira), Dan Maanzo (Makueni), Richard Onyonka (Kisii) and Nominated senators Betty Batuli Montet, Catherine Mumma, Tabitha Mutinda, Raphael Chimera and Miraj Abdullahi.

Oduol was impeached after all the 42 members of the Siaya County Assembly voted unanimously to hound him out of office over alleged gross misconduct and abuse of office.

A section of Siaya County MCAs at the Senate gallery on June 26, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]