Simba Arati, Governor of Kisii, has named Julius Elijah Obebo as his deputy, pending confirmation by the county assembly.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati has appointed Mr. Elijah Julius Obebo, the current Chairman of the County Public Service Board (CPSB), as his deputy following the impeachment of Dr. Robert Monda from the position.
The announcement of Mr. Obebo’s nomination was made during a session of the County Assembly of Kisii on Wednesday afternoon by Speaker Philip Nyanumba.
“Members of the house, I am pleased to inform you that I have received communication from His Excellency, the Governor of Kisii County, Honorable Paul Simba Arati, regarding the nominee for the position of deputy governor. Pending approval by the house, he has nominated Mr. Elijah Obebo to the position,” Speaker Nyanumba stated.
Dr. Monda was removed from office last week after the Senate upheld all four charges brought against him by the County Assembly of Kisii.
Senators voted overwhelmingly to uphold all four charges, including gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office, gross misconduct, and crimes under national law.
The core allegations leading to Mr. Monda’s removal included accepting an Sh800,000 bribe from Denis Mokaya with the promise of securing a commercial job at the Gusii Water and Sanitation Company (Gwasco), as well as the arrest and detention of his brother Reuben Monda for cutting down trees on their family land.
Following his impeachment, Dr. Monda filed a court challenge on Monday, March 18, 2024, contesting the Senate’s decision to remove him from office.
However, no orders were issued regarding the matter, allowing the governor to appoint his deputy within the stipulated 14 days as per the law.
The County Assembly now has 60 days to vet the proposed Deputy Governor.