On Friday, the Senate received the impeachment motion of Kericho’s governor Eric Mutai. This is despite the High Court halting the process on October 2nd.
The governor’s impeachment motion was tabled by Kiprotich Rogony, Sigowet MCA. Mutai is accused of:
- gross misconduct
- abuse of office
- gross violation of the Constitution
Some of the accusations stem from his failure to implement the county’s agenda like declining to digitize revenue systems to boost revenue collection.
It also includes misappropriation, misallocation, and illegal drawing of county revenue and county finances, misappropriation or abetting misappropriation of publicly raised funds.
During its passing, 31 MCAs voted for the governor’s removal while 6 absconded the session.
The Kericho County Assembly continued with the impeachment, alleging that the court order was not served in time.
The county chief was expected to be in attendance to defend himself, but he did not attend the session. He was instead represented by his legal team led by lawyer Katwa Kigen.
Senate In Action
Amason Jeffa Kingi, the Senate speaker on Thursday, through his social media, revealed he had been served the motion by members of the Kericho county assembly about the removal of Mutai from office.
Kingi informed the Senate that a motion to form a special committee to investigate the charges collapsed after failing to get a seconder. This opened the way for the entire Senate to hear the charges and reach a decision.
He however urged Senators against discussing the matter before it is heard and determined. This would amount to gross disorderly conduct according to Standing Order 122(1) of Senate Standings.
This morning, the Senate is convened to hear the impeachment motion trial that has officially started today.
High Court Order
Justice Joseph Sergon of Kericho High Court in his wisdom ordered Dr. Mutai to continue discharging his mandate until the matter is brought to a conclusion.
He had also given interim orders to halt the MCA resolution to pass the motion to the Senate.
The respondents in the motion were Kericho County MCAs, Kericho County Speaker, and Kipruto Rogony, the mover of the motion.
The judge had given 10 days for the two parties to exchange written submissions and convene on October 15th for oral submission in his court.
Pre-Hearing Session
Senators, per tradition, convened for a closed-door meeting to set ‘ground’ rules for the management of the investigation.
The Speaker Amason Kingi highlighted the importance of the pre-hearing session which is to ensure a seamless process. It is also to conclude the process in the set period.
Mutai is set to know his fate tomorrow when Senators take a final vote signifying the conclusion of the hearing.
The matter is being heard on plenary after a bid to form a committee was defeated. Today’s session will end at 7:30 pm.
