The Senate will start impeachment hearings of Kericho Governor Erick Kipkoech Mutai this morning.
Speaker Amason Kingi set Monday and tomorrow for the House to determine the validity of various charges brought against Governor Mutai, including gross violations of the Constitution, abuse of office and gross misconduct.
Mutai was impeached by 31 MCAs on October 2 through a motion introduced by Sigowet Ward MCA Kiprotich Rogony.
Today Senators will hold a pre-hearing closed meeting and later the reading of charges and opening statements by both parties.
Kericho County assembly will present its case, detailing allegations of gross violation of the Constitution, including accusations of misappropriation of county revenue and failure to automate revenue collection systems, resulting in significant financial losses for the County.
The MCAs accuse Mutai of engaging in illegal appointments and dismissals, violating the Public Finance Management Act and misusing funds raised for victims of the Londiani accident tragedy.
Among other charges is the claim that the Governor has exhibited an extravagant lifestyle and presided over an administration troubled with procurement irregularities and tender manipulation. Allegations of abuse of office further extend to illegal appointments and improper directives that undermined the oversight role of the County Assembly.
The Senate.
Tomorrow Mutai’s legal team will take the floor to present their defence. With evidence from witnesses, cross-examinations and closing statements scheduled across both days, the climax of the proceedings will be a debate by the lawmakers and a voting session set for Tuesday evening.
Senators will vote to uphold or reject the impeachment motion.
In similar waterloo is Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza whose third impeachment was upheld by the Senate and now the matter is in court.
In past governors Mike Sonko (Nairobi) and Ferdinand Waititu (Kiambu) were sent home through ouster motions.
31 MCAs impeached Governor Mutai.
Former county bosses Martin Wambora (Embu), Paul Chepkwony (Kericho), Mwangi wa Iria (Muranga) Nderitu Gachagua (Nyeri) Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga) Mohammed Abdi (Wajir) and Granton Samboja (Taita Taveta) have also faced also impeachment proceedings but survived the ouster.
