Notice of an impeachment motion against governor Mutai tabled

By Peter Ochieng

Kericho governor Dr. Eric Mutai is a ‘man under siege.’

This is after the tabling of a notice of a motion seeking to impeach him.

The motion was tabled by Sigowet Ward Member of the County Assembly (MCA) Kiprotich Rogony on Tuesday, who has cited four grounds against the county boss, among them violation of various national and county laws, abuse of office and gross misconduct.

Particulars of the aforementioned grounds include misappropriation of funds, misallocation of funds and illegal drawing of county revenue and finances.

Rogony said the acts and conduct of the governor had exposed the office of the governor, the assembly and the people of Kericho to ridicule, embarrassment and disrepute.

The mover argued that the governor’s continued stay in office has and will continue to undermine the effective delivery of services, to the detriment of the people of the county in whose trust he holds the office.

“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,” he said.

County Assembly speaker Patrick Mutai directed that the House dispense the matter on October 02, 2024.

The embattled county boss is expected to appear in the Assembly on that date, to defend himself from the accusations levelled against him. He was elected in 2022, under President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.

He succeeded Paul Chepkwony, who served for two terms, from 2013 to 2022.

If he is impeached, he will become the second country chief to be sent packing after the 2022 general elections.

Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza was impeached thrice by the County Assembly.

The Senate saved her twice, before finally sending her packing in August. She however got a reprieve, after the High Court temporarily suspended the Senate decision to suspend her.