By Kamadi Amata
Kericho Governor Eric Mutai has been impeached by the County Assembly, with 31 out of 47 members voting in favor of the motion to remove him from office. The impeachment stems from accusations of gross violations of the Constitution, abuse of office, and misuse of public resources.
The motion, introduced by Sigowet Ward MCA Kiprotich Rogony, outlined several serious charges against the governor. Governor Mutai had been expected to appear before the assembly to defend himself against the allegations but failed to do so. Instead, he sent a legal team led by lawyer Katwa Kigen to represent him.
A court order, which Mutai had hoped would stop the impeachment proceedings, was reportedly not served in time to halt the process. The order, issued by Justice J.K. Sergon, read in part:
“THAT pending the inter-parties hearing of the motion dated 1/10/2024, interim conservatory orders are issued against the respondents jointly and severally suspending and staying the debating, considering and or acting upon the notice tabled on 23/09/2024 and motion moved on 24/09/2024 for the removal of the applicant-governor from office.”
Despite the court’s attempt to intervene, the impeachment motion proceeded as scheduled. Among the accusations leveled against Governor Mutai were claims that he led a mob to seize private land in Kericho town to be used as an unauthorized dumpsite. He was also accused of coercing women into inappropriate sexual acts, with Rogony stating, “The governor has committed constitutional wrongs that undermine the integrity of his office and the Constitution itself.”
Additionally, the Londiani junction road accident, which claimed multiple lives, was brought up in the assembly. Rogony claimed that over KSh 9 million in public funds allocated for the victims of the accident were misappropriated under the governor’s watch.
The impeachment motion also highlighted issues of alleged abuse of office. Rogony claimed that Governor Mutai had advertised job openings for doctors, nurses, and Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers, despite knowing that the county lacked the resources to make these hires. “The applicants were neither shortlisted nor were the vacancies filled,” Rogony stated, describing the move as a political stunt.
Furthermore, the governor was accused of unlawfully deploying health staff without the involvement or approval of the County Service Board, creating chaos in the county’s health sector.
On the charge of gross misconduct, Rogony accused Governor Mutai of operating with impunity and undermining proper governance structures.
Following the impeachment vote, the next step will be for the County Assembly Speaker to formally notify the Senate, which will now decide Governor Mutai’s fate. The Senate has the authority to either uphold or reject the County Assembly’s decision, following an investigation into the charges.
Earlier in the day, police were deployed to control a group of Governor Mutai’s supporters who tried to disrupt the impeachment proceedings. Despite the tension, the vote went ahead, marking a critical moment in Kericho’s political landscape.
Governor Mutai’s impeachment now adds to the growing list of Kenyan county leaders who have faced removal from office over allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and mismanagement. The Senate’s verdict will determine if this decision will stand.
