In light of Dr. Robert Monda's impeachment by the Senate last week, the High Court has halted the publication of a notice declaring the position of Kisii County Deputy Governor empty.
This happens in response to a petition against the Senate that Jared Mairura Ratemo filed on Wednesday with the Machakos High Court.
Judge Olei Francis Rayola stated that the suspension would stay in place until the Milimani Commercial Court hears the case in April while issuing the verdict in the case that was certified as urgent.
"The court notes that the issues raised in this petition touch on matters which occurred in the Senate and by extension Kisii County Assembly and it would be inappropriate to have this matter heard at Machakos High court," ruled Justice Rayola.
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"This matter be mentioned before Justice Eric Ogola at the Milimani Commercial court on April 10, 2024. In order to preserve the status quo and allow the petitioner ventilate issues raised in this petition, no gazettement is to be issued declaring the seat of DG-Kisii County vacant until the next mention date."
Similarly, the judge ordered Ratemo to formally present the petition to the Senate within the next three days, noting that the Upper House would have seven days to reply.
The announcement was made just hours after Kisii Governor Simba Arati nominated Elijah Obebo, the chairman of the Public Service Board in the devolved unit, to be his deputy.
Philip Nyanumba, the speaker of the Kisii County Assembly, announced on Wednesday, subject to House approval.
"Honourable members, I am pleased to inform this House that I have received communication from His Excellency, the Governor of Kisii County, Paul Simba Arati, on the nominee for the position of deputy governor. Pending approval by the House, he has nominated Mr. Elijah Obebo to the position," Nyanumba said.
