Kericho Governor Mutai Stares at Second Impeachment as MCAs Dismiss His “Political Theatrics”

KERICHO COUNTY – Governor Erick Mutai finds himself once again fighting for his political survival as Kericho County Assembly members forge ahead with impeachment proceedings, dismissing his calls for county government dissolution as desperate tactics to avoid accountability.

The embattled governor’s fate appears sealed after Majority Leader Philip Rono confirmed that 35 Members of County Assembly (MCAs) have signed the impeachment notice, surpassing the two-thirds threshold required to remove him from office.

The Assembly has leveled serious accusations against Governor Mutai, including gross violation of the Constitution, gross misconduct, and misuse of public funds. Central to the allegations is the irregular payment of Sh85 million to 45 companies during his tenure.

“The governor should tell the people of Kericho how Sh85 million was irregularly paid to 45 companies under his watch,” Deputy Speaker Cheruiyot Bett demanded, emphasizing that the Assembly would not be intimidated by the governor’s diversionary tactics.

Assembly Majority Whip Aaron Rotich described the scandal as a “fictitious payments scheme,” insisting that constitutional oversight duties would proceed unimpeded despite any pressure from the governor’s office.

Governor Mutai’s attempt to mobilize public support through calls for county government dissolution has been met with fierce resistance from MCAs, who view the move as both illegal and self-serving.

Kapsoit MCA Paul Chirchir questioned the legality of the governor’s signature collection campaign, noting that such an initiative would require Assembly authorization. “The governor continues to violate the law. He cannot expect the Assembly to facilitate an exercise aimed at disbanding itself,” Chirchir stated bluntly.

The MCAs characterized the dissolution calls as “reckless” and “political theatrics” designed to divert attention from the corruption allegations.

This marks Governor Mutai’s second impeachment battle, a fact he acknowledged while seeking divine intervention from constituents at Ngege Chai road junction.

“I am facing the second impeachment, but I know that thunder doesn’t strike anyone twice. Please pray for me, for God to help me survive the impeachment,” Mutai told residents, displaying a mix of acknowledgment and optimism about his precarious position.

The county legislators have demonstrated unwavering resolve in pursuing the impeachment, with Sigowet Ward MCA Kiprotich Rogony, who tabled the motion, declaring his readiness to testify before the Senate if the matter proceeds to the upper house.

“We have the numbers to meet the two-thirds threshold. The governor’s continued insults and attempts to undermine the Assembly and its Speaker only reinforce our case,” Rogony asserted.

Chaik Ward MCA Mathew Korir went further, suggesting that the governor’s fate was already decided, signaling confidence in both the legal grounds and numerical support for removal.

Beyond the impeachment proceedings, Kipchebor MCA Erick Bett has called upon the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to take immediate action against corruption within the county government, emphasizing the need to restore public trust in county leadership.

The impeachment hearing is scheduled for Friday next week at the Kericho County Assembly. With 35 signatures already secured and strong rhetoric from multiple MCAs, Governor Mutai faces an uphill battle to retain his position.

The political drama in Kericho County highlights ongoing tensions between county executives and assemblies across Kenya, where oversight responsibilities often clash with executive authority. For residents of Kericho, the outcome will determine not just their governor’s fate, but potentially the trajectory of county governance and public resource management.

As the county braces for next week’s proceedings, all eyes will be on whether Governor Mutai can mount a successful defense or if Kericho will soon be searching for new leadership.