I'm also someone's child, Governor Mutai pleads for mercy as impeachment looms

Kericho Governor Eric Mutai is pleading with members of the county assembly (MCAs) to halt the impeachment motion against him, urging them to show him compassion.

This comes after Sigowet MCA Kiprotich Rogony formally tabled a motion on Tuesday seeking to impeach Governor Mutai, which was signed by 37 out of 47 MCAs.

The impeachment motion lists four major accusations against Mutai, including gross violations of the Constitution, abuse of office, and claims of misconduct.

According to the MCAs, the governor has failed to adhere to both national and county laws, which they say has led to poor governance and low service delivery in Kericho County.

However, on Thursday, Governor Mutai made a passionate appeal to the MCAs, asking them for forgiveness for any mistakes he may have made during his leadership.

He acknowledged his imperfections, emphasising that he is a father and human being like anyone else.

"I plead with you to sympathise with me, I am also someone's child. I am a father of three young children. The eldest is in Class Seven, the second is in Grade Three, and my youngest is still breastfeeding. To you, the people of Kericho, no one doesn't wrong," he said during his address in Kericho.

Mutai reminded the MCAs that he had worked closely with them, both individually and collectively, without showing favouritism. He called on them to show leniency as they consider the motion.

"To the MCAs led by the majority leader here, I ask for your forgiveness. I might have made mistakes like any other human being, I might have wronged you, but we have worked together in good and bad times," he stated.

Governor Mutai admitted that his leadership may not have been perfect, but he urged the MCAs to take a compassionate approach if they decide to punish him.

"Please forgive me. As leaders, we carry a heavy burden, and along the way, we may stumble. I may have made those stumbles, and for that, I ask for your forgiveness. If you must cane me, do so using a light stick," he added.

Despite Mutai's appeal, the MCAs remain steadfast, with MCA Rogony moving the motion and accusing the governor of misconduct.

Rogony claimed that Governor Mutai's actions had brought "ridicule, embarrassment, and disrepute" to the office of the governor and the people of Kericho.

He further argued that Mutai's continued leadership would compromise service delivery in the county.

"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 added.

The Speaker of the County Assembly, Patrick Mutai, has set October 2 as the date for the hearing of the impeachment motion, during which Governor Mutai will be allowed to defend himself against the accusations.

The hearing is expected to be a decisive moment for Governor Mutai's political career as he faces possible removal from office if the MCAs proceed with the motion.