Kericho politics heat up as 35 MCAs move to impeach Governor Erick Mutai

Kericho Governor Erick Mutai speaks during an event in Kipkelion East on February 18, 2023. (Photo: X/Erick Mutai)

By Maureen Kinyanjui
Saturday, August 9, 2025

The ward representatives said the governor’s latest political moves were a deliberate attempt to shift focus from serious allegations levelled against him.

Tensions in Kericho politics have escalated after 35 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) signed a notice to impeach Governor Erick Mutai, accusing him of trying to avoid accountability by calling for the dissolution of the county government.

The ward representatives said the governor’s latest political moves were a deliberate attempt to shift focus from serious allegations levelled against him.

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As reported by the Standard, Majority Leader Philip Rono confirmed the signatures had been collected and warned that the impeachment process would proceed as planned next week.

“We are not going to be sidetracked or intimidated from proceeding with the impeachment motion. The governor should face the issues raised instead of seeking refuge in sideshows,” Rono said, adding that Mutai should prepare his defence rather than engage in theatrics.

Deputy Speaker Cheruiyot Bett said the Assembly would not bow to threats, insisting the governor must address findings by an Ad Hoc Committee on questionable county spending.

“The governor should stop trying to divert attention. He should tell the people of Kericho how Sh85 million was irregularly paid to 45 companies under his watch,” Bett stated.

Majority Whip Aaron Rotich maintained that oversight is a constitutional duty, describing the alleged transactions as a “fictitious payments scheme.”

“There is a clear separation of powers. We are constitutionally mandated to conduct oversight. We shall not be cowed,” he said.

Kapsoit MCA Paul Chirchir questioned both the legality and funding of the governor’s drive to gather signatures for dissolving the county government, arguing such an initiative required Assembly approval.

“The governor continues to violate the law. He cannot expect the Assembly to facilitate an exercise aimed at disbanding itself. His impeachment is inevitable,” Chirchir noted.

Chaik Ward MCA Mathew Korir declared that the Assembly already had the numbers and grounds to proceed, while Sigowet Ward MCA Kiprotich Rogony, who filed the motion, pledged to be the lead witness in the Senate if the case advances there.

“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 said as quoted by the Standard.

Kipchebor MCA Erick Bett urged the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to move in quickly and investigate, stressing the importance of protecting public funds.

“The County Assembly remains firm in its resolve to uphold its oversight mandate and ensure prudent use of public resources in the interest of Kericho residents,” he said.

The impeachment notice came as Governor Mutai, speaking at Ngege Chai road junction, appealed for prayers from residents ahead of next Friday’s impeachment hearing.