Impeachment process for Kericho Governor temporarily suspended by the High Court
In a dramatic turn of events, Kericho County Governor Erick Mutai is facing an impeachment trial in the Senate following a vote by the County Assembly. On August 20, 2025, 33 out of 47 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) supported a motion to remove Mutai from office, surpassing the required two-thirds majority.
The allegations against Mutai include gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office, and mismanagement/misappropriation of county resources. The impeachment motion was tabled by Sigowet Ward MCA Kiprotich Rogony, who accused Mutai of misappropriation of taxpayers' and donor funds intended for various projects.
The impeachment motion was prompted by damning findings by an Ad Hoc Committee of the County Assembly, chaired by Soliat MCA Albert Kipkoech. The committee's report implicated seven chief officers and the Finance County Executive Committee (CEC) member in a procurement scandal involving questionable payments totaling Sh 85.7 million-Sh 80.5 million to 41 companies and an additional Sh5.1 million to five companies with untraceable payment vouchers.
The renewed push for Mutai's removal follows the whistleblowing of his deputy, Fred Kirui, who accused the administration of graft allegations two weeks ago. According to Kirui, the county disbursed millions of shillings between October 2024 and April 2025 for questionable procurement, including catering services, office supplies, furniture, staff uniforms, vehicle maintenance, and computers.
The Kericho High Court has temporarily stopped the Kericho County Assembly from debating and voting on the impeachment motion, citing procedural errors. The order restrains all parties, including the Speaker and members of the County Assembly, from seconding, debating, voting, or taking any further action on the impeachment motion until the matter is determined.
Governor Mutai has vowed to petition President William Ruto to dissolve his government under Article 192 of the Constitution, citing irreconcilable differences between the executive and the assembly. He has also declared that he will pursue a constitutional petition for the dissolution of the County Government of Kericho and is calling for a fresh election.
MCA Kipkoech urged the Assembly to take decisive action to protect public trust, stating that the Governor bears ultimate responsibility under Section 30(3)(f) of the County Governments Act, 2012, for the management and safeguarding of county resources. The Ad Hoc Committee of the County Assembly has recommended the dismissal of the Finance CEC and called upon the County Public Service Board to take appropriate steps.
The Senate trial will determine whether Governor Mutai will be permanently removed from office. The trial is scheduled for August 27, 28, and 29, 2025, where all senators will hear and decide on the case. Governor Mutai and his legal team have an opportunity to defend him before the Senate.
Summary
| Status | Details | |--------|---------| | Impeachment by Kericho County Assembly | Passed with 33/47 votes supporting removal (over two-thirds majority) | | Allegations | Gross violation of Constitution, abuse of office, mismanagement/misappropriation of county funds | | Current Process | Awaiting Senate plenary impeachment trial on Aug 27-29, 2025 | | Governor's stance | Denies allegations, calls impeachment politically motivated and unfair |
The Senate trial will be a critical moment in the ongoing saga of Governor Mutai's tenure, with the potential to shape the future of Kericho County's governance.
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