Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol Impeached

Embattled Siaya County Deputy Governor William Oduol has been impeached.

All 42 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) voted to remove the deputy county boss from office by way of impeachment after they unanimously adopted the report of the special committee that was established to investigate the grounds for which a motion of impeachment was tabled against him on June 29, 2023.

The impeachment motion was moved by East Asembo Ward MCA Gordon Onguru who accused the Deputy Governor of gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office and misuse of public resources among other claims.

The special committee, in a report tabled on the floor of the House by its Chairman and Yimbo East Ward MCA Francis Otiato, revealed that the claims were found to be substantiated, thus warranting his impeachment.

Siaya governor James Orengo and his deputy William Oduol embrace each other moments after they were sworn in after the August polls in 2022. /THE STAR

It also revealed that the allegations of interference with the procurement processes through acts of bid rigging were also proven.

On allegations of abuse of office and gross misconduct, the committee indicated that it established that claims of bulldozing officers to renovate the office of the Deputy Governor out of approved budgetary provisions were proven and therefore substantiated.

On the misuse of public resources as well as bullying, the committee said it found that the allegations were proven and hence substantiated.

The Otiato-led team further indicated that it found the claims levelled against the embattled DG of misleading the public by giving false information were also true.

While deliberating the report, the Siaya MCAs supported Oduol’s removal accusing him of being a dishonest leader who was only out to advance his selfish gains.

They also cited irreparable differences between Oduol and his boss, Governor James Orengo to the point that they cannot continue working together, hence the need for him to be ousted to give the county chief breathing space to embark on effective service delivery.

Some of them also accused the Deputy Governor of character assassination, adding that he had not only tainted the image of Governor Orengo but also those of the MCAs that he accused of having been compromised.

MCAs from Alego/Usonga Constituency stated that Oduol’s wrangles with his boss grew toxic to the point that the squabbles were painting a bad picture of the country boss. 

The matter was then put to question by Siaya County Assembly Speaker George Okode before the members unanimously approved the report by way of roll call, thereby removing the Deputy Governor from office. 

After Oduol's impeachment, the Siaya County Assembly will write to the Senate giving information on the reasons that culminated in the move.

Once voted upon by the majority of the Siaya County Assembly, the matter will move to the Senate where Senators will adjudicate and finally pass a vote. However, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei opposed Oduol's impeachment and vowed to dismiss it should the matter reach the Senate.

"The impeachment proceedings and removal from ODM party of Siaya Deputy Governor Oduol by Tinga (Raila) is sickening and nauseating for exposing corruption in Siaya County government.

"As a Senate, we shall NOT impeach DG Oduol nor confirm impeachment proceedings from Siaya county assembly against him. This once again has confirmed Tinga (Raila) as the Lord of corruption, poverty and impunity!" he tweeted.

Siaya Governor James Orengo will in the meantime have to look for a Deputy Governor to succeed Oduol, potentially marking the first time in President William Ruto's government that a DG is impeached.