The Ksh.1M 'presidential chair' at the centre of Siaya's DG Oduol impeachment trial

This special experience happened at the Senate when the office chair belonging to impeached Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol was presented before the Senate committee during the ongoing impeachment trial.

The chair, the committee was told, was purchased during a Ksh.18 million renovation for Mr Oduol's office.

Oduol was appearing before the Senate Committee after he was linked to allegations of gross violation of the constitution, misuse of public resources, and other laws.

The legislators took turns in sitting on the chair "to feel a Ksh.1M chair's worth" after they were told that Oduol pushed the county into buying the chair upon assuming office.

On Wednesday, the committee was told, that Oduol interfered with the procurement process contrary to the Public procurement act, trying to influence the award of 86 road contracts.

Through lawyer Willis Otieno, the MCAs pushing for his ouster said that the DG not only bullied county workers but also tried to influence which contractor would be paid.

"The DG did put pressure on Finance officers, constant harassment to make payments to a certain group of contractors," Otieno said.

Oduol rebutted likening his precipice to the saying “hunter that has become the hunted” claiming that his woes began when he questioned the withdrawal of huge amounts of money meant for imprests.

"We cannot purport to be talking about corruption at the national level and we close our eyes and ears on what is happening in Siaya County, I am ready to pay the ultimate price for the people of Siaya,” he said.

The move to oust Oduol started when he had a bone to chew with Siaya Governor James Orengo, a tiff that irked most MCA's and leaders.