Kericho MCAs table impeachment motion against Governor Mutai

A notice of motion seeking to impeach Kericho Governor Eric Mutai has been tabled at the county assembly.

The motion was tabled by Sigowet Ward MCA Kiprotich Rogony on Tuesday, where he cited four grounds which include gross violation of various national and county laws, abuse of office, gross violation of the constitution and gross misconduct.

The main particulars of the grounds listed include misappropriation, misallocation, and illegal drawing of county revenue and finances.

While tabling the motion, Rogony stated that the governor's actions have exposed the office of the governor, the assembly, and the people of Kericho to “ridicule, embarrassment, and disrepute”.

He argued that Mutai's continued presence in office undermines effective service delivery to the county’s residents.

“The governor has variously committed constitutional wrongs that subvert the structure of government and undermine the integrity of the office and even the constitution itself,” Rogony said.

In his ruling, County Assembly Speaker Patrick Mutai set October 2, 2024, for the House to address the matter.

Heavy security

Meanwhile, a group of Governor Mutai's supporters was blocked from accessing the County Assembly as they protested against the impeachment motion.

Police maintained a heavy presence, with officers stationed at the entrance and in vehicles nearby.

The demonstrators, displaying pro-Mutai placards, chanted “No Mutai, No Peace” and warned the MCAs supporting the motion to remain inside the assembly.

The MCAs have accused the governor of misappropriating funds intended for Londiani tragedy victims.

While the governor is on record indicating that the medical bills for all the victims will be waived and taken care of by the county government, it is not clear why the money had to be paid out from the fund collected to various public hospitals against the expense and equivocal representations of the governor,” part of the charge against him reads.

Additionally, Governor Mutai faces accusations of failing to fulfil his duties despite receiving substantial allowances.

This motion, tabled by MCA Kiprotich Rogony, is not the first attempt to impeach the governor. In 2023, a group of Kericho MCAs threatened a similar motion over allegations of misappropriating Sh14.5 million intended for Londiani tragedy victims.

In June 2024, he was scrutinized for spending Sh425.6 million designated for pending bills, with the County Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’, demanding explanations for why only Sh341.5 million was used to pay suppliers and contractors.