Kericho MCAs impeach Governor Mutai
Governor Eric Mutai has been ousted by 31 members of the Kericho County Assembly (MCAs), despite a court order that temporarily halted the proceedings.
This decision is a pivotal event in local governance, with MCAs moving forward with allegations of gross misconduct and constitutional breaches against Mutai, placing him among the impeached county leaders in Kenya.
The vote came a day after a court directive from Justice Joseph Sergon that prohibited the county assembly from advancing the impeachment process until Governor Mutai’s petition was heard on October 15, 2024. However, Sigowet MCA Kiprotich Rogony spearheaded the move, alleging misappropriation of public funds and indecent behavior.
Mutai now joins 12 other county governors who have faced similar motions since 2013. Only two—former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu—were removed from office, while others, like Mutai, have challenged the process in courts and the Senate. Mutai is expected to follow the same path, contesting the legality of the assembly’s actions.
The impeachment motion was brought forward on Wednesday, disregarding the court’s injunction. Speaker Patrick Mutai allowed the process, raising questions about the assembly’s awareness of the legal situation. Governor Mutai listed the county assembly, Speaker Mutai, and MCA Rogony as respondents in his petition to stop the process.
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Justice Sergon issued interim orders to halt the debate until all parties submitted their written responses, setting an October 15, 2024 date for oral arguments. This made the impeachment vote premature based on the court’s ruling.
Nevertheless, the county assembly proceeded, with an overwhelming majority voting for the motion. Governor Mutai faces accusations of breaching the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, and the Leadership and Integrity Act due to alleged financial mismanagement.
MCA Rogony also accused the governor of indecent conduct, casting doubts on Mutai’s character.
“There are numerous complaints of the Governor’s indecent and unnatural behavior by female partners,” asserted Rogony, hinting at possible explosive disclosures in the Senate hearing. He added that the “victim seeks anonymity at this stage,” implying sensitive testimonies might occur behind closed doors.
The accusations have sparked intense debate in the assembly, and Governor Mutai’s legal team is expected to question both the legitimacy of the impeachment motion and the evidence, especially in light of the court’s injunction.
Governor Mutai has yet to publicly address the assembly’s action, but his defense will likely focus on the violation of Justice Sergon’s orders.
The outcome of this legal battle is being closely watched by Kericho residents and other county leaders facing scrutiny, highlighting increasing concerns about local governance standards in Kenya.
Kericho MCAs impeach Governor Mutai
