Kericho Governor Erick Mutai accused of extorting officials through fundraising demands
Documents tabled before the Senate showed money deposited into Tanui’s mobile account by different people, including Sh50,000 from Paul Misik, Sh10,000 from Janet Koech, and another Sh10,000 from Beatrice Kiptanui.
Kericho Governor Erick Mutai has been accused before the Senate of coercing senior county officials into sending him money under pressure, with witnesses claiming they were forced to contribute to fundraisers and personal requests to keep their jobs.
The County Assembly, presenting its case against the Governor, told Senators on Wednesday that employees were harassed and humiliated by the county chief whenever they failed to meet his financial demands.
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Two former officials testified that they had to send money regularly, either through mobile transfers or cash handed to his aides.
Former County Executive Committee member Edna Tanui said she contributed a total of Sh1.5 million during her two-year tenure, which she believes led to her dismissal in December 2024.
Mutai had announced her removal alongside other CECs through his official Facebook page, citing only a reorganisation of his administration.
“I have never known why the Governor sacked me,” she told the Senate. “I suspect I had to go because I refused to support him in his fundraisers.”
Tanui testified that she sent more than Sh1.5 million from her savings, although documents submitted to the House showed only Sh300,000 deposited directly to the Governor’s mobile account.
She maintained that the balance of Sh1.2 million was delivered in cash through his aides, Robinson Kiplagat and Renny Kipsang Ngetich.
“If given a chance, I can produce conversations with the Governor leading to the Sh1.2 million,” she said, adding that Safaricom call logs could confirm the transactions.
She recalled that the Governor would call, state a figure, and at times insist on receiving as little as Sh10,000, either in his account or through other individuals.
Documents tabled before the Senate showed money deposited into Tanui’s mobile account by different people, including Sh50,000 from Paul Misik, Sh10,000 from Janet Koech, and another Sh10,000 from Beatrice Kiptanui.
Senators pressed Tanui to explain the inconsistencies. Danson Mungatana questioned how the claimed Sh1.5 million could be supported with only Sh300,000 of verifiable evidence.
“How was the money given?” he asked, suggesting her testimony had not convincingly accounted for the balance.
Senator Okongo Omogeni demanded clarity on the identity of those depositing money into her account and whether the funds were meant for the Governor.
Senator Okiya Omtatah asked why she never reported the matter to investigative agencies, while Senator Godfrey Osotsi said the money could be linked to corruption, challenging her to explain its source.
Tanui responded that she could produce further proof once Safaricom records were accessed and argued that her mobile account reflected her business dealings as well as personal transactions.
“I have only one number and all my personal and business transactions go through my Safaricom line,” she said.
She added that one of the questioned deposits came from her uncle repaying a loan.
Another witness, former chief officer Kipngeno Bett, testified that the Governor persistently called him demanding money.
“I sent him money many times after he called, demanding the money. I don’t know where he expected me to get the money from,” Bett said.
He recounted an incident where Mutai allegedly insulted him in front of his family after he failed to comply.
“He called and said I am an ungrateful person because I could not send him the little money he was asking for.”
Bett told the House that while he was not legally required to send the Governor money, he felt compelled to comply to avoid constant disparaging remarks.
A third witness, Alfred Mutai Korir, testified on a different matter, defending the credibility of the digital voting system at the County Assembly. He said the system was tamper-proof and safeguarded from unauthorised access.
The Senate committee is expected to continue hearing evidence as the County Assembly pushes its case against Governor Mutai.
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