Kericho Governor Faces Impeachment Over Financial Mismanagement, Abuse of Office, and Harassment of Staff

Strategic Insights -

The Kericho County Assembly has tabled a motion to impeach Governor Erick Mutai, citing allegations of financial mismanagement, abuse of office, and harassment of staff. Led by advocate Elisha Ongoya, the County Assembly's legal team presented evidence of a 'rogue governor' presiding over a county administration plagued by financial irregularities and abuse of authority in less than three years of leadership. The team highlighted instances of double retention payments to companies, including Mengro Products Limited, Prospera Ventures Limited, and Bree Ray Limited, resulting in alleged losses of up to Sh8.4 million.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Kericho County Assembly has laid out charges against Governor Erick Mutai, including financial mismanagement, abuse of office, and harassment of staff, in a motion to impeach him.
  • The assembly's legal team presented evidence of double retention payments to at least eight companies, resulting in alleged losses of up to Sh8.4 million.
  • Witnesses, including former ICT officer Kipng'eno Bett, testified to allegations of intimidation and harassment within the governor's administration, including being forced to sign blank resignation letters and offered bribes by the governor and his aides.
  • Governor Mutai's legal team has dismissed the charges as a political witch-hunt, accusing the assembly of financially inducing MCAs to support the impeachment motion and tabling an audio recording allegedly featuring an MCA offering a bribe to another MCA.
  • The governor's team has questioned the validity of the impeachment vote, arguing that 18 out of 47 MCAs did not vote, meaning the required two-thirds threshold could not be met.
  • The Senate Speaker, Amason Kingi, has ruled against the governor's preliminary objections, saying disputed facts must be determined through witness testimony and cross-examination.

Statistics:

  • Up to Sh8.4 million in double retention payments to companies, including Mengro Products Limited, Prospera Ventures Limited, and Bree Ray Limited.
  • 18 out of 47 MCAs did not vote, potentially jeopardizing the validity of the impeachment vote.
  • 32 MCAs are required to meet the two-thirds threshold for impeachment.

Sources:

  • The Hansard of the Senate proceedings.
  • The County Assembly of Kericho's legal team, led by advocate Elisha Ongoya.
  • Kericho Governor Erick Mutai's legal team.
  • Audio recording allegedly featuring Sigowet Ward MCA Kiprotich Rogony offering a bribe to fellow MCA Kibet Bosuben.