KERICHO, Kenya – In a dramatic session on Tuesday, the Kericho County Assembly voted to impeach Governor Eric Mutai, defying a court order that had temporarily halted the proceedings.
Thirty-one out of 47 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) supported the motion, which was sponsored by Sigowet Ward MCA Kiprotich Rogony.
The motion, which was formally tabled on September 12, accused Governor Mutai of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and a violation of both national and county laws.
County Assembly Speaker Patrick Mutai had initially set October 2 for the governor to defend himself, but the governor sought refuge in the courts, obtaining a conservatory order from Justice J.K. Sergon.
The order temporarily suspended the assembly from debating or acting on the motion pending further court hearings.
“Pending the inter-parties hearing of the motion, interim conservatory orders are issued against the respondents, suspending and staying the debate and consideration of the notice and motion for the removal of the applicant—Governor—from office,” read the court order in part.
Despite the court’s directive, the MCAs pressed ahead with the impeachment vote, citing four key charges: gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office, gross misconduct, and mismanagement of county finances.
MCA Kiprotich Rogony, while moving the motion, painted a picture of a county in disarray under Mutai’s leadership.
“The governor’s actions have exposed the office to ridicule and disrepute, undermining the effective delivery of services to the detriment of Kericho residents,” he stated.
One of the most damning allegations was Mutai’s alleged mismanagement of county finances.
Rogony claimed the governor had failed to automate revenue collection, leading to misappropriation and theft of public funds.
Further, the governor was accused of coercing senior county officials to allocate funds for his personal use.
In addition, the controversial “Equaliser Kazi Mtaani Initiative,” launched by Governor Mutai, came under scrutiny for reportedly being implemented without proper legislation, public participation, or budgetary approval.
The MCAs also faulted the governor for the illegal appointment and dismissal of public servants and for causing the advertisement of non-existent job vacancies in the health and education sectors.
Public outrage over the governor’s handling of county resources was further stoked by the Londiani junction road accident, where over Sh9 million in public funds were allegedly lost.
The session saw heightened tensions, with police struggling to control supporters of the governor who attempted to block the impeachment proceedings.
Governor Mutai’s fate now lies with the Senate, which will decide whether to uphold or overturn the County Assembly’s decision in what could be one of the most significant political battles in Kericho’s recent history.
Thirty-one out of 47 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) supported the motion, which was sponsored by Sigowet Ward MCA Kiprotich Rogony.
The motion, which was formally tabled on September 12, accused Governor Mutai of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and a violation of both national and county laws.
County Assembly Speaker Patrick Mutai had initially set October 2 for the governor to defend himself, but the governor sought refuge in the courts, obtaining a conservatory order from Justice J.K. Sergon.
The order temporarily suspended the assembly from debating or acting on the motion pending further court hearings.
“Pending the inter-parties hearing of the motion, interim conservatory orders are issued against the respondents, suspending and staying the debate and consideration of the notice and motion for the removal of the applicant—Governor—from office,” read the court order in part.
Despite the court’s directive, the MCAs pressed ahead with the impeachment vote, citing four key charges: gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office, gross misconduct, and mismanagement of county finances.
MCA Kiprotich Rogony, while moving the motion, painted a picture of a county in disarray under Mutai’s leadership.
“The governor’s actions have exposed the office to ridicule and disrepute, undermining the effective delivery of services to the detriment of Kericho residents,” he stated.
One of the most damning allegations was Mutai’s alleged mismanagement of county finances.
Rogony claimed the governor had failed to automate revenue collection, leading to misappropriation and theft of public funds.
Further, the governor was accused of coercing senior county officials to allocate funds for his personal use.
In addition, the controversial “Equaliser Kazi Mtaani Initiative,” launched by Governor Mutai, came under scrutiny for reportedly being implemented without proper legislation, public participation, or budgetary approval.
The MCAs also faulted the governor for the illegal appointment and dismissal of public servants and for causing the advertisement of non-existent job vacancies in the health and education sectors.
Public outrage over the governor’s handling of county resources was further stoked by the Londiani junction road accident, where over Sh9 million in public funds were allegedly lost.
The session saw heightened tensions, with police struggling to control supporters of the governor who attempted to block the impeachment proceedings.
Governor Mutai’s fate now lies with the Senate, which will decide whether to uphold or overturn the County Assembly’s decision in what could be one of the most significant political battles in Kericho’s recent history.
