Governor Mutai questions legitimacy of impeachment vote

The impeachment motion against Kericho Governor Erick Mutai was sponsored by Sigowet MCA Kiprotich Rogony.

The impeachment of Kericho Governor Erick Mutai took centre stage in the Senate on Thursday, with his defence team challenging the credibility of the voting process used by Members of the County Assembly (MCAs).

Led by lawyer Katwa Kigen, Governor Mutai argued that the impeachment was riddled with irregularities.

"The voting process was so deficient and manipulated that the Senate cannot rely on it," Kigen told senators.

"MCAs received login credentials via SMS, using only their ID and payroll numbers. There were no secure passwords or codes, leaving the system open to impersonation and manipulation," he added.

During cross-examination, Sigowet MCA Kiprotich Rogony, who sponsored the impeachment motion, was pressed to respond to claims that he logged in and voted on behalf of a colleague.

Rogony denied the allegations, including a clip plate in the Senate insinuating that he was offering another MCA Sh200,000 plus being promised foreign trips if he was to swear an affidavit.

"It is not true. The clip played here is not my voice. The person in that recording sounded drunk. I am not drunk. I don't even drink; I'm a Seventh Day Adventist."

The governor's legal team also raised concerns over allegations of voter bribery, pointing to an audio clip in which an MCA was allegedly offered Sh200,000 and promised foreign trips in exchange for swearing an affidavit.

Some senators suggested that Kericho MCAs should be recalled to the Senate to conduct a fresh vote in order to put the matter to rest.

The Senate adjourned until Friday, August 29, at 9 a.m. to continue hearings.

Under the law, an impeachment motion requires the support of at least two-thirds of the County Assembly.