Kericho Governor Erick Mutai has been impeached after a decisive vote by the County Assembly on Friday, setting the stage for a Senate showdown that will determine his political fate.
33 out of 47 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) voted in favour of the motion to remove Mutai from office, comfortably surpassing the constitutionally required two-thirds majority. Fourteen MCAs opposed the motion.
The impeachment motion accused the governor of gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office, and mismanagement of county resources.
Mutai, who attended the session alongside his legal team led by lawyer Katwa Kigen, made an unsuccessful bid to have the voting conducted by roll call rather than electronically.
This is not the first time the county boss has faced an ouster attempt. During a previous impeachment effort, 31 MCAs voted in favour of his removal, but the Senate later acquitted him, allowing him to retain his seat.
Announcing the results to a packed gallery, Assembly Speaker confirmed that the matter will now proceed to the Senate, where Mutai will have the chance to defend himself against the allegations.
If the Senate upholds the County Assembly’s decision, Governor Mutai will be removed from office permanently.
