Senate to decide on impeached Governor Mutai's fate next week

Kericho Governor Erick Mutai. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The impeachment hearings of Kericho Governor Eric Mutai have been scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday next week at the Senate.

According to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, the governor and other parties involved in the proceedings have until Monday, August 25, to respond to matters arising in the impeachment.

“The parties will file responses with the office of the clerk of the Senate by Monday, August 25, by 5 PM. The clerk will circulate documents received from the parties, including the plenary hearing programme, to all senators by close of business on Tuesday,” said Kingi.

Additionally, the Senate resolved to investigate and determine the allegations raised against the governor in plenary, where all the members will participate.

This is after a motion seeking to have the matter heard by an 11-member special committee flopped.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot sponsored the motion, but Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo declined to second it, forcing a withdrawal, leaving plenary as the only alternative. 

Meanwhile, the Kericho Senator has insisted that he has no hand in the spirited efforts to oust the governor and won’t be using the impeachment to settle local county politics.

“I can already hear what people are saying, including those asking me to declare my interest in this matter. I have no peculiar interest other than justice for the people of Kericho,” said Cheruiyot. 

33 out of 47 members of the Kericho County Assembly voted to impeach Mutai after their previous attempt was reversed by the Senate in October 2024 due to technicalities.

The MCAs have accused the county boss of gross constitutional violations, illegal tender awards, and misconduct in public office.

Governor Mutai has denied any wrongdoing.