Kericho county assembly leadership wrangles persist

Kericho County Assembly Deputy Speaker Erick Bett after 18 MCA boycotted the assembly session to debate an impeachment motion against him. [Courtesy]

Kericho County Assembly wrangles have intensified after a section of ward representatives ganged up against Speaker Patrick Mutai over his leadership style.

At least 18 ward reps allied to Deputy Speaker Erick Bett have accused Dr Mutai of alleged misconduct in the recent bid to remove his deputy from office.

The development follows claims that the Speaker changed Standing Orders to target his deputy.

Soin MCA Naaman Rop condemned the frequent changes to the Standing Orders.

“We don’t know which standing orders the assembly is operating on. We don’t have a duly signed copy from the government printer, which stipulates the running of the business of the County Assembly," Rop claimed.

"This has led to confusion and conflict between the MCAs and the Executive, derailing service delivery to the people of Kericho," he added.

The Soin MCA accused Speaker Mutai of allegedly operating with impunity and violating constitutional provisions, and warned of legal action.

“It will not be business as usual at the Assembly,” he said.

Nominated MCA Fancy Korir alleged that her signature was forged to show that she attended a session where a Select Committee was formed to investigate Deputy Speaker Bett.

Korir, who faces removal as Deputy Majority Leader, criticized the assembly for focusing on impeachment motions, including the failed ouster of Governor Erick Mutai.

“We want to be left free to discharge our legislative duties. There are 16 pending Bills, including the Gender, Youth, Internship, and Education Bills, that we are supposed to debate and pass, but we are instead locked in leadership wrangles that don’t add value to Kericho residents,” she said.

Kapsoit MCA Paul Chirchir questioned the legitimacy of the Select Committee investigating Bett, saying the assembly lacks the 32 MCAs required to meet the two-thirds threshold for impeachment:

“For the Assembly to purport to have formed a Select Committee to investigate the Deputy Speaker ahead of the tabling of an impeachment motion is an exercise in futility,” he said.

Chirchir said so far 18 MCAs have declared support for the push to oust Speaker Mutai.

“It’s only a matter of time before we send Speaker Patrick Mutai packing,” he said.

The Speaker dismissed the allegations of bias, asserting that he is impartial in Assembly proceedings.

“I only preside and give direction over matters brought to the floor of the Assembly. I don’t take a vote in any matter and am therefore just like a referee in a soccer match,” said Mutai.
The impeachment motion against Deputy Speaker Bett, tabled by Majority Whip Aaron Rotich, cites alleged insubordination, interference in Assembly operations, and unauthorized assumption of Speaker duties.

Bett is also accused of allegedly influencing MCAs to undermine the recent impeachment vote against Governor Erick Mutai.