Powerful forces want me out, Governor Mutai says

 Kericho Governor Erick Mutai 

Embattled Kericho Governor Erick Mutai has exuded confidence that he will survive his second impeachment, describing it as persecution by powerful people keen to hound him out of office.

On Wednesday, Dr Mutai will face the Senate to answer to the charges that stem from the alleged irregular payment of Sh85 million to 45 companies.

Speaking at Sossiot during the Belgut Half Marathon organised by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, the embattled governor claimed that powerful people had conspired to remove him from office.

“I am being persecuted. Powerful people have conspired to remove me from office as the Kericho governor. I was elected by the people, and I will triumph over the impeachment charges against me at the Senate,” Mutai said.

The Governor, who was impeached by the County Assembly on August 15, said he believed divine intervention would enable him to prevail.

Invoking biblical imagery, Mutai likened his ordeal to the suffering of Jesus on the way to Golgotha, declaring that, like Christ, he too would ultimately be vindicated.

The governor, who addressed the gathering in his native Kipsigis language to loud cheers from the crowd, appealed for prayers from Kericho residents.

“I became governor by God’s grace. Please pray for me to survive the impeachment attempt at the Senate this week and allow me to resume service delivery to Kericho residents next week,” he told the gathering.

Mutai was first impeached by MCAs in October last year but was saved by the Senate.

The event was also attended by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migosi, Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, a section of UDA MPs and other dignitaries.

Funds during the Belgut Marathon will be channeled towards support of education at Belgut Starehe Girls and Belgut  Starehe Boys Secondary School.