Kisii Governor Simba Arati has nominated county public service board chairman Elijah Obebo as his deputy following the impeachment of Robert Monda.
Obebo’s nomination comes a day after former Deputy Governor Robert Monda filed an appeal before Kisii Law Courts challenging his impeachment.
Monda was accused of gross violation of the Constitution and law, abuse of office, gross misconduct, and offences under national law.
The Senate found him guilty of all the charges and went forth to uphold MCAs decision to impeach him.
On Wednesday, Kisii County Assembly Phillip Nyanumba said the governor had okayed Obebo’s name for vetting and subsequent approval by the assembly as his deputy.
“When the vacancy of a deputy governor arises as provided under section 32 C, the governor shall within 14 days appoint a Deputy Governor… The County Assembly shall consider the motion for approval of a Deputy Governor within 14 and resolve whether to approve the motion or deem to have resolved to pass the motion upon the lapse of the 14 days.”
“I am pleased to have received communication from the Governor regarding the nomination, vetting and subsequent approval,” Nyanumba said.
Nyanumba further committed the name to the committee on appointments and vetting.
The committee is to report back to the County Assembly within 14 days, he said
The nomination of Obebo, a retired career civil servant, elicited reactions from a section of ward reps.
Majority Leader Henry Moracha said Obebo had the requisite skills to assist Arati fulfil his deputy agenda.
“He is a member of the ODM. The gazettement is not an issue for now, “Moracha told journalists.
He said Obebo hails from Nyaribari Chache just like Monda.
Moracha termed the appeal by Monda as inconsequential.
On Tuesday Judge Teresa Odera that the notice of appeal by Monda was to be served to the relevant parties ahead of the hearing on March 26.
“I have carefully considered the application dated March 18, 2024 exparte, the same be served, the interparte hearing set for March 26, 2024 at 10 am,” Odera said.
Moracha, however, said they are within the law in rubber-stamping the governor’s nominee as deputy.
“We are acting within the law. Obebo is a straightforward person, “he said.
Edna Kwamboka a UDA nominee said they expect Obebo to help Arati accelerate development for the region
