Kericho Governor Erick Mutai is set for a political battle in the Senate next week after senators voted to prosecute his impeachment motion in plenary rather than through a select committee.
This follows a dramatic turn on Tuesday when Senate Minority Leader Stewart Matzayo declined to second Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot’s motion seeking to establish an 11-member committee to investigate the allegations against the governor.
Speaker Amason Kingi ruled that the matter will now proceed to the plenary, where all senators will hear and determine the charges. He directed the Clerk of the Senate to notify all parties involved and instructed them to file their responses by Monday ahead of the Thursday hearing.
Governor Mutai faces accusations of gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office, and irregular financial dealings. A section of Kericho Members of County Assembly (MCAs) have levelled fresh allegations against him, claiming the county government made fictitious payments to suppliers.
The MCAs allege that, in addition to KSh85 million flagged last week, another KSh26 million was paid out for goods and services that were never delivered.
The impeachment motion has now set the stage for a high-stakes plenary session where the governor’s political future will be decided by the full Senate.
