Kericho Governor Erick Mutai has been impeached by the County Assembly, marking his second removal from office in just two years.
The impeachment came after a tense and chaotic day of proceedings, where Governor Mutai defended himself vigorously against several serious allegations.
All 33 MCAs present voted in favor of the motion, which was initiated by Sigowet Ward MCA Kiprotich Rogony.
The charges against Governor Mutai included misappropriation of public and donor funds and abuse of office.
MCA Rogony, supported by most of his colleagues, claimed that the Governor approved payments totaling KSh 85 million to contractors for work that was never completed.
Mutai strongly denied these allegations, insisting that the funds had been used appropriately. In addition, he faced accusations related to the misuse of money collected for Londiani accident victims and the improper hiring of county staff, all of which he rejected.
The impeachment process was not straightforward. Earlier, the High Court in Kericho had temporarily halted the hearing after two petitioners challenged its legality, citing procedural concerns.
Despite this, the County Assembly resumed proceedings, and the final vote confirmed the Governor’s removal.
The hearing was marked by disorder, reflecting the deep divisions within the Assembly and the public.
Outside the County Assembly, the situation was equally tense. Youths clashed with police in attempts to interfere with the proceedings, leading to running battles that added to the already charged atmosphere.
Inside the Assembly, a scuffle broke out among MCAs shortly after the vote, resulting in one lawmaker being injured.
Security officers also struggled to control the crowds, and a county vehicle was damaged during the confrontation.
Governor Mutai’s impeachment underscores ongoing political instability in Kericho County, highlighting persistent conflicts between the executive and legislative arms of the county government.
This comes after a previous impeachment attempt, showing that the Governor’s leadership has been under scrutiny for some time.
Many residents and political observers have expressed concern over the allegations of fund mismanagement, particularly regarding donations and emergency relief funds, which they say undermines public trust in county leadership.
The aftermath of the impeachment leaves Kericho in a state of uncertainty. Questions now arise about who will take over leadership and how the county will address ongoing development projects and public services.
Governor Mutai has indicated plans to challenge the decision, suggesting that legal battles could continue in the courts.
For the people of Kericho, the focus now shifts to stability, accountability, and ensuring that county resources are managed transparently in the future.
The chaotic scenes, both inside and outside the Assembly, reflect the deep divisions within the county and the strong emotions surrounding Governor Mutai’s tenure.
The coming weeks will be critical for determining how Kericho navigates this political upheaval and restores order in its governance structures.
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