When politicians would be sent on sabbatical leave

Peter Habenga Okondo. [File, Standard]

Okondo, who later gained infamy when he banned Anglican Bishop Alexander Muge from touring Katakwa in Busia in 1990 - was not the only politician to take a sabbatical.

Dr Julius Gikonyo Kiano was also temporarily replaced in the Legco because he could not discharge his duties effectively. "In the exercise of powers conferred to me, I do hereby declare that Julius Gikonyo Kiano, a constituency Member for Fort Hall has from January 15, 1962, been unable by reason of absence to perform his functions."

In the same breath, the governor appointed Kariuki Karanja Njiiri to occupy Kiano's position for about a week.

This law has since been discarded.

Had it still been in force, it would have come in handy in West Pokot where Deputy Governor Nicholas Atundonyang was away for five years in the US.

Nairobi too had to do without a deputy governor from 2018 after Polycarp Igathe resigned after only six months.

Under the current laws, an MP can be recalled but the process is not easy. Governors can be impeached but it is a laborious affair.