Kericho County Assembly MCAs on Tuesday, October 2 defied court orders and voted to impeach Governor Eric Mutai.

A total of 31 out of the 47 Members of County Assembly (MCAs) voted in favour of the motion to oust Governor Mutai from office.

This comes after Sigowet Ward MCA Kiprotich Rogony, on September 12, tabled the notice of motion to oust the county boss on grounds of gross misconduct, violation of the constitution, abuse of office, misuse of public resources.

During today’s session, Governor Mutai was supposed to appear and defend himself from the accusations, but opted to move to court, successfully obtaining temporary orders to halt his impeachment process.

“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 issued by Justice J.K Sergon reads in part.

Despite the court order, the MCAs went on to debate and subsequently voted to impeach Mutai.

Grounds of Mutai’s impeachment

In the motion, 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. 

The motion adds: “The governor has variously committed constitutional wrongs that subvert the structure of government and undermine the integrity of the office and even the constitution itself.”

On grounds of misuse of public resources, the governor is accused of misappropriation, misallocation, and illegal drawing of county revenue and finances. On abuse of office, the governor has been accused of making illegal appointments, unlawful dismissals and transfers and usurpation of statutory functions of the public service board.

Governor Mutai is also accused of misappropriating over KSh9 million in public funds that were raised to help victims of the Londiani junction road accident.