Kericho Governor Mutai's troubles mount as Magerer quits cabinet

Magerer Langat resigned as Kericho County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture. [File, Standard]

The dramatic resignation of Magerer Langat as Kericho County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture has caused a new crisis in Governor Erick Mutai's administration.

Langat, who had served in the Cabinet for less than five months, quit on Sunday hours before the County Assembly was due to begin impeachment proceedings against him and five colleagues.

The six had been accused of complicity in the irregular payment of Sh85 million to 45 companies, a matter that was part of the issues that triggered the impeachment of Governor Mutai in August. The Senate eventually rejected the second impeachment by MCAs.

In his resignation statement, Langat, a former Kipkelion MP, insisted that while he respected the Assembly's oversight role, the process against him was flawed.

"The committee lacks professional competence and impartiality and has failed to supply substantive evidence or allow me adequate time to prepare," he said.

Langat accused Speaker Patrick Mutai and several MCAs of being "captured by family and political interests."

Analysts believe Langat's resignation was a calculated step to protect his eligibility for future political contests. Impeachment would have locked him out of public office for up to a decade. His decision, therefore, keeps alive the possibility of a comeback in 2027, either as Kipkelion West MP or as deputy governor.

Joel Soi, a lecturer at the University of Kabianga, argued that Langat should have allowed the Assembly to proceed. "If he wants to run for the Kipkelion West seat or deputy governor, he has to go an extra mile to prove to residents that resignation was the only way out," he said.

Governance expert Anthony Koskei, however, believes Langat's exit has worked to his advantage.

For Mutai, Langat's resignation worsens an already messy political environment. Twice impeached by the Assembly and twice saved by the Senate, Mutai is increasingly seen as presiding over a divided administration.