The High Court sitting in Kericho on Tuesday, October 2 temporarily stopped the impeachment process of Governor Eric Mutai.
Despite the court orders, however, the Kericho County Assembly proceeded with the debate to impeach Governor Mutai on several grounds.
Sixteen (16) out of the 47 Members of County Assembly (MCAs) skipped today’s session thereby denying the House the 2/3 threshold required by law for the impeachment of a governor.
“THAT pending the inter parties hearing of the motion dated 1/10/2024, interim conservatory orders are issued against the respondents jointly and severally suspending and staying the debating considering and or acting upon the notice tabled on 23/09/2024 and motion moved on the 24/09/2024 for the removal of the applicant- governor from office,” the court order by Justice J.K Sergon read in part.
Grounds of impeachment
Sigowet MCA Kiprotich Rogony tabled the impeachment motion before the Kericho County Assembly on Monday, September 23, citing constitution violations, gross misconduct and abuse of office.
In the motion that saw a total of 37 MCAs vote in favour of impeaching Governor Mutai, the MCAs are accusing the county boss of operating with impunity by allegedly leading the invasion of a piece of land owned by a private resident within Kericho town and reserving the land to be used as a dumpsite without NEMA’s approval.
It is also alleged that several female individuals had lodged complaints against the governor for forcing them to engage in inappropriate sexual acts.
“The governor has persistently intimidated, harassed county officers who do not sing to his tune leaving officers jittery and creating an atmosphere of fear, uncertainty and despondency in the county and thus creating a toxic work environment,” the motion reads in part.
