Kericho Governor Erick Mutai is staring at a second impeachment after 35 Members of the County Assembly signed a notice to remove him from office over allegations of irregular payments and gross misconduct.

The ward representatives say the governor’s recent calls to dissolve the county government are an attempt to escape scrutiny and avoid answering corruption charges.

Majority Leader Philip Rono confirmed the collection of signatures, saying the Assembly will proceed with the motion next week.

“We are not going to be sidetracked or intimidated from proceeding with the impeachment motion. The governor should face the issues raised instead of seeking refuge in sideshows,” Rono said.

Deputy Speaker Cheruiyot Bett urged the governor to respond to findings by the Assembly’s Ad Hoc Committee, which flagged questionable payments worth Sh85 million to 45 companies.

“The governor should stop trying to divert attention. He should tell the people of Kericho how Sh85 million was irregularly paid to 45 companies under his watch,” Bett stated.

Majority Whip Aaron Rotich said the Assembly would not allow oversight to be undermined, branding the alleged transactions as a “fictitious payments scheme.”
“There is a clear separation of powers. We are constitutionally mandated to conduct oversight. We shall not be cowed,” he affirmed.

Kapsoit MCA Paul Chirchir dismissed the governor’s bid to collect signatures for dissolving the county, calling it unlawful without Assembly approval.

“The governor continues to violate the law. He cannot expect the Assembly to facilitate an exercise aimed at disbanding itself. His impeachment is inevitable,” Chirchir said.

Chaik Ward MCA Mathew Korir maintained that the Assembly had both the grounds and the numbers to oust Mutai, while Sigowet Ward MCA Kiprotich Rogony, who introduced the motion, vowed to testify in the Senate if the matter proceeds there.

“We have the numbers to meet the two-thirds threshold. The governor’s continued insults and attempts to undermine the Assembly and its Speaker only reinforce our case,” Rogony said.

Kipchebor MCA Erick Bett called on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the alleged payments, insisting on accountability in the use of public funds.

“The County Assembly remains firm in its resolve to uphold its oversight mandate and ensure prudent use of public resources in the interest of Kericho residents,” he said.

Speaking to residents at Ngege Chai road junction, Governor Mutai acknowledged the mounting pressure but appealed for public prayers ahead of the impeachment hearing.

“I am facing the second impeachment, but I know that thunder doesn’t strike anyone twice. Please pray for me, for God to help me survive the impeachment,” Mutai said.

The MCAs accuse the county chief of gross violation of the Constitution, gross misconduct, and misuse of public funds—claims that will be at the centre of next week’s debate in the Assembly.