Senate convenes special session to hear impeachment charges against Governor Mutai

The Senate is scheduled to hold a special sitting to hear the charges against impeached Kericho Governor Eric Mutai.

According to a gazette notice dated October 7, 2024, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi announced that the session would begin at 2:30 p.m.

During the sitting, the Senate will determine whether the case will be heard by a committee or the full plenary. The decision is crucial in shaping the process for addressing the charges brought against Governor Mutai.

“Pursuant to Article 181 of the Constitution, section 33 (3) (a) of the County Governments Act (Cap. 265), and standing order 80 (1) (a) of the Senate Standing Orders, I appoint the sitting of the Senate on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 2:30 pm as the sitting convened to hear the charges in the matter of the proposed removal from office, by impeachment, of (Dr.) Erick Kipkoech Mutai, the Governor of Kericho County,” reads the gazette notice.

The Senate will now focus on evaluating the accusations that led to the impeachment and make a determination on the governor’s fate, either upholding the impeachment or reinstating him to office.

Mutai was impeached last week Wednesday after 31 members out of 47 of the County Assembly voted in favour of a motion that cited gross constitutional violations, abuse of office, and mismanagement of public resources.

The motion was tabled by Sigowet Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Kiprotich Rogony.

Governor Mutai had been expected to defend himself against the accusations but did not attend the session. Instead, he sent a legal team, led by lawyer Katwa Kigen, to represent him.

Despite a court order halting the proceedings, the County Assembly proceeded with the impeachment after the order was allegedly not served on time.

Speaker Patrick Mutai asserted that 31 votes were adequate to meet the required threshold for impeachment, while the 16 MCAs who backed the Governor contended that the correct figure should be 32 out of the 47 MCAs.

“According to the records in the house, 31 MCAs who are present have voted in favour of the motion. The motion is passed, and Governor Mutai is hereby impeached by the County Assembly of Kericho,” Speaker Mutai ruled.

He further explained his decision by citing the assembly's tradition, noting that one-third of the assembly has consistently been recognised as 16 members. Therefore, he claimed that two-thirds would amount to 31.

Among the accusations, Rogony alleged that Governor Mutai led a mob to illegally seize private land in Kericho town, intending to turn it into an unauthorised dumpsite.

He further accused the governor of forcing women into inappropriate sexual activities.

The governor has since denied the accusations.