Kericho Governor Erick Mutai Faces Contentious Impeachment Over Alleged Misconduct

Kericho Governor Erick Mutai during a past address at his office. He is currently facing impeachment proceedings over alleged misconduct and abuse of office.

Kericho Governor Erick Mutai is facing a high-stakes political battle after the County Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against him, a move spearheaded by Sigowet Ward MCA Kiprotich Rogony.

The motion, tabled on August 6, 2025, accuses the governor of gross constitutional violations, abuse of office, gross misconduct, and mismanagement of public resources. It alleges misappropriation of Sh85 million paid to contractors for unrendered services, irregular tender awards, intimidation of county officers, and leading a mob to seize private land for an unauthorized dumpsite. Mutai also faces claims of engaging in inappropriate conduct.

The impeachment motion gained the backing of 35 out of 47 MCAs, surpassing the threshold set by Standing Order No. 70, and was forwarded to the Assembly Business Committee for scheduling.

However, the process has been marred by legal disputes. On August 15, Justice Joseph Sergon issued a conservatory order barring the County Assembly from debating or voting on the motion until a hearing scheduled for August 25. Despite this, on October 2, 2024, the assembly proceeded with the impeachment, with 31 MCAs voting in favor and 16 loyal to Mutai boycotting the session. The boycott, along with the vote falling short of the two-thirds requirement (32 votes), has fueled questions over the resolution’s legality.

The Senate has since received the impeachment resolution, but Mutai’s legal team, led by Katwa Kigen, insists the process was fundamentally flawed.

In his defense, Governor Mutai has petitioned President William Ruto to dissolve the Kericho County Government under Article 192 of the Constitution, claiming an untenable political environment and alleging blackmail by the Assembly Speaker and MCAs. He has also appealed for leniency, citing his young family, while dismissing the charges as politically motivated.

The Senate’s verdict alongside the High Court’s pending ruling on the injunction violation will ultimately decide whether Mutai remains in office or becomes the latest county chief to be removed through impeachment.

Reporting by: Babz Abdul Raheem N.
Date: August 15, 2025