Resounding Alarm: Senators Raise Concerns About Impending Ouster of Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol
Senators have issued a warning to Siaya Members of County Assembly (MCAs) regarding their plan to impeach Deputy Governor William Oduol, stating that any plot to remove him on frivolous grounds will be opposed.
Those who spoke to Nation yesterday expressed concern over the events in Siaya, where MCAs approved Mr. Oduol’s removal on Monday.
The Assembly has established a 14-member special committee that will investigate the allegations made against the deputy governor and presents its findings within 10 days.
Yesterday, Senate Majority Whip Dr. Boni Khalwale expressed concern over the recent events in Siaya.
“We have heard with concern about the situation in Siaya. Dr. Boni Khalwale, Senate Majority Whip, told GossipA2Z, “For it to have gotten to this point, there must be a problem, and that is precisely why the Senate was created.”
“We will handle it when it arrives. Obviously, as Chief Whip, I have the responsibility, and I will carry it out without fear or favor,” said the senator from Kakamega.
ALSO READ: Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol Unveils Startling Discovery of ‘Unprecedented’ Cash Withdrawals within Governor Orengo’s Office
Given that Mr. Oduol had made corruption allegations against the James Orengo administration, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei said they suspect a sinister motive for his removal.
“Witch-hunt”
“What we have observed is that he is being persecuted for exposing corruption, but no one can be impeached for doing so.” He deserves a commendation from the Head of State, and we should honor him for exposing the corruption in the country, said Mr. Cherargei.
He continued, “Therefore unless the MCAs’ claims are well-supported, the Senate will protect the lieutenant governor.”
Senator Richard Onyonka of Kisii stated that the House will prevent the removal of Mr. Oduol from office if they discover malice in his removal.
“We will investigate the matter without fear or favor, based on merit, and I will stop it if I find it to be nothing but victimization,” Mr. Onyonka said, while his counterpart from Embu, Alexander Mundigi, stated that the Senate will hear both sides and make a sound decision.
Yesterday, he told GossipA2Z, “We’ll listen to both sides and act accordingly.”
Mr. Cherargei criticized the Siaya MCAs for disregarding the principles of natural justice and rushing to impeach the deputy governor without a hearing.
ALSO READ: Secret Involvement: Raila’s Influence in Siaya Deputy Governor Oduol’s Ouster Attempt Revealed
“As a senator, I can confirm that we will examine these charges and dismiss them if they are frivolous, fictitious, and without merit.”
“I do not know William Oduol, as he is not a member of UDA, but we are proud of him because we wish to safeguard our counties. If we agree with the county assembly on these charges, we will kill devolution,” the senator from Nandi said.
He noted that counties were declining due to corruption, and if the MCAs impeach the DG due to a political witch hunt, the Senate will block the impeachment. The president has pledged to eradicate corruption in Kenya.
Mr. Cherargei asked, “Why, after exposing corruption in the county government, is he now being branded as a member of the UDA? This is nothing but political emotion.”
On Sunday, Mr. Oduol was expelled from Raila Odinga’s ODM party at a Siaya branch meeting attended by Mr. Orengo.
Supporters of the Deputy Governor have criticized the party for recommending his expulsion without giving him a hearing, a move that declares him guilty of the charges against him.
Mr. Walter Okello, Mr. Orengo’s Chief Officer for Water, read the resolutions to expel Mr. Oduol after Mr. Oloo Okanda, his political adviser, moved the motion to expel the DG from the party.
Mr. Oduol’s outspoken stance against corruption in the devolved unit has caused him to rub shoulders with ODM leaders.
ALSO READ: 38 MCAs Unanimously Approve Motion to Impeach DG Oduol, One Voice of Dissent
“Millions of dollars are transferred to the imprest account of Siaya County and then withdrawn by various officers for nonexistent activities.” In the three months from 1st July to 30th September 2022, Jack Odinga authorized the withdrawal of a total of Ksh 159,200,000.00 from the imprest account,” Mr. Oduol states in documents filed with the Assembly.
He recommends that the committee summon Jack Odinga and the head of IFMIS to discuss the matter.
There have been payments to individual employees and staff accounts involving transfers to junior staff members’ personal bank accounts; the juniors are then instructed to withdraw the funds and hand them over to specific finance staff. Since then, the aforementioned junior employees have provided statements to relevant investigative bodies and are readily available to do so again.
Resounding Alarm: Senators Raise Concerns About Impending Ouster of Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol
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