• At least 31 out of 47 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) supported the motion introduced by Sigowet Ward MCA Kiprotich Rogony.

The Kericho County Assembly has voted to impeach Governor Eric Mutai, disregarding a court order that temporarily halted the impeachment process. At least 31 out of 47 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) supported the motion introduced by Sigowet Ward MCA Kiprotich Rogony.

The formal notice for the governor's removal was introduced in the assembly on September 12, 2024 with County Assembly Speaker Patrick Mutai scheduling an assembly session for October 2 to address the matter. Governor Mutai was expected to defend himself against the allegations during this session but sought court intervention to suspend the proceedings.

“The court order issued by Justice J.K. Sergon states, ‘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 24/09/2024 for the removal of the applicant—governor from office,” the ruling outlined.

Rogony cited four main grounds for the impeachment: severe breaches of the Constitution and other laws, violations of national and county regulations, abuse of power, and gross misconduct. He argued that the governor's actions had brought ridicule and disrepute to the office, undermining effective service delivery to the citizens of Kericho.

“The governor has repeatedly committed Constitutional violations that disrupt the governmental structure and compromise the integrity of the office and the constitution itself,” Rogony asserted.

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Specific allegations include misappropriation and unlawful withdrawal of county funds, with Rogony claiming that the governor has presided over a dysfunctional public finance system that has rendered the County Treasury ineffective. He accused Mutai of failing to automate the revenue collection system, exposing the county's finances to embezzlement and theft.

Additionally, Mutai faces accusations of making unlawful appointments and illegal dismissals, as well as overstepping the statutory functions of the public service board. He has also been charged with initiating the “Equaliser Kazi Mtaani Initiative” and accessing funds without proper legislation, public participation, or approval from the county assembly.

“Current and former chief executive committee members and chief officers have reported various instances of coercion by the governor to allocate financial resources for his personal use,” Rogony noted.

The MCA also referenced a tragic accident at Londiani junction that resulted in fatalities, claiming over Sh9 million in public funds was misappropriated. Furthermore, he alleged that the governor orchestrated the advertisement of positions for doctors, nurses, and early childhood education (ECDE) teachers for political gain, despite the county's inability to hire.

“The applicants were ultimately not shortlisted, nor were the purported vacancies filled,” Rogony stated.

On the grounds of gross misconduct, the MCA asserted that the governor has been operating with impunity, creating a crisis within the health sector by unlawfully deploying health staff without proper justification or involvement from the County Service Board.