Deputy Governor of Siaya William Oduol escaped impeachment when 27 of 43 senators decided to keep him in office.
Senators sympathetic to President William Ruto openly supported Oduol, while those sympathetic to opposition leader Raila Odinga pushed to impeach him.
Addressing the media following the impeachment motion, an emotional Oduol thanked the Senate for rescuing him and promised to rebuild his working relationship with Siaya Governor James Orengo so that they could serve the people of Siaya, who elected them jointly in the August 2022 election.
The Senate Special Committee to investigate allegations made by the Siaya County Assembly against the Siaya Deputy Governor, chaired by Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang, recommended his impeachment on the grounds of abuse of office and violation of the constitution, with the final meeting described as heated, with members almost fighting.
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The Special Committee, which was investigating the matter in accordance with its mandate under section 33(4) of the County Governments Act and Senate Standing Order 80(2), reports to the Senate that it finds the Charge against the Deputy Governor on Gross Violation of the Constitution and other Laws.
Oduol was impeached after all 42 members of the Siaya County Assembly voted unanimously to remove him from office for suspected egregious misconduct and abuse of office, with the Senate entrusted with either rubber stamping or overruling their decision.
