Renowned lawyer Elisha Ongoya has once again taken center stage in Kenya's political arena, returning to the Senate to lead the defense of Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo in a high-stakes impeachment hearing.
Ongoya's presence signals another significant legal challenge in the legislative house, reminiscent of his prominent role in past high-profile cases.
Ongoya's name gained considerable online sensation following his involvement as a key lawyer for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during his impeachment proceedings in the Senate in October 2024.
During that widely publicized case, Gachagua faced eleven charges, ultimately being impeached on five counts, including allegations of "gross violation" of the constitution. Ongoya, as part of Gachagua's legal team, had vociferously argued that the accusations against the then-Deputy President lacked evidentiary support and were based on mere speculation.
His spirited defense in such a landmark case cemented his reputation as a formidable legal mind in parliamentary proceedings.
Now, Ongoya faces a new challenge defending Governor Guyo, who was impeached by 16 out of 18 Members of the Isiolo County Assembly (MCAs) on June 26, 2025.
The Senate has opted for a full plenary trial to determine Guyo's fate, foregoing the formation of a special committee. The Governor is confronting a range of serious allegations, including gross violation of the Constitution for allegedly failing to deliver his annual address to the County Assembly for three consecutive years.
Further accusations against Governor Guyo include presiding over a bloated county workforce. He is alleged to have irregularly appointed 36 individuals as advisors and other senior officers, as well as 31 chief officers, reportedly without the involvement of the County Public Service Board. Some of these appointments are also said to lack legal backing or approval from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
Additionally, Guyo faces charges of mismanaging the county's bursary program, with over Ksh30 million reportedly unaccounted for and funds allegedly not being distributed fairly and transparently. Other allegations include awarding flawed contracts and stalling development projects within the county.
Elisha Ongoya is leading a robust defense team for Governor Guyo, which includes prominent legal minds such as Eric Theuri (former LSK President), Elias Mutuma, Tally Israel, Mercilino Leisagor, Miriam Rebbecca, and five other legal assistants.
Representing the Isiolo County Assembly and pushing for the Governor's removal is a team led by renowned constitutional lawyer and former presidential candidate Ekuru Aukot.
The ongoing hearing sees both sides presenting their arguments, with the Senate expected to cast its decisive vote on Thursday, July 10, determining whether Governor Abdi Guyo will retain his position or be removed from office.
While a High Court ruling had reportedly declared Guyo's impeachment process null and void, the Senate has proceeded with the hearing, underscoring the complexities and high stakes of the legislative process.
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