35 MCAs sign Governor Mutai impeachment notice

Kericho governor Erick Mutai at Bunge Towers, Nairobi. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Kericho Members of County Assembly (MCAs) have termed Governor Erick Mutai's calls for the dissolution of the county government as reckless and tactics to evade accountability. Majority Leader Philip Rono confirmed that at least 35 MCAs had appended their signatures to the impeachment notice against the governor. He challenged the governor to stop engaging in political theatrics and instead prepare his defense ahead of the impeachment proceedings slated for next week. "We are not going to be sidetracked or intimidated from proceeding with the impeachment motion. The governor should face the issues raised instead of seeking refuge in sideshows," said Rono. Deputy Speaker Cheruiyot Bett emphasised that the Assembly will not be swayed by threats or intimidation, asserting that Governor Mutai must answer to the grave concerns raised by the Assembly's Ad Hoc Committee. "The governor should stop trying to divert attention. He should tell the people of Kericho how Sh85 million was irregularly paid to 45 companies under his watch," said Bett. Assembly Majority Whip Aaron Rotich reiterated that the governor must be held accountable for presiding over what he described as a "fictitious payments scheme." "There is a clear separation of powers. We are constitutionally mandated to conduct oversight. We shall not be cowed," he affirmed. Kapsoit MCA Paul Chirchir questioned the legality and funding of the governor's bid to collect signatures to dissolve the county government, stating that such a move would require Assembly authorization. "The governor continues to violate the law. He cannot expect the Assembly to facilitate an exercise aimed at disbanding itself. His impeachment is inevitable," Chirchir said. Chaik Ward MCA Mathew Korir stated that the governor's fate had already been sealed, signaling that the Assembly had sufficient grounds and numbers to proceed with the removal motion. Sigowet Ward MCA Kiprotich Rogony, who tabled the impeachment motion, declared his readiness to be the lead witness before the Senate, should the matter progress to the upper House. "We have the numbers to meet the two-thirds threshold. The governor's continued insults and attempts to undermine the Assembly and its Speaker only reinforce our case," he said. Kipchebor MCA Erick Bett called on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to take immediate action against corruption at the county government, emphasizing the need to restore integrity and accountability in public service. "The County Assembly remains firm in its resolve to uphold its oversight mandate and ensure prudent use of public resources in the interest of Kericho residents," he said. The MCAs' move came as the governor asked for prayers ahead of his impeachment hearing at the Kericho County Assembly on Friday, next week. Addressing residents at the Ngege Chai road junction, the embattled county chief acknowledged the gravity of the situation but expressed optimism that he would overcome the challenge. "I am facing the second impeachment, but I know that thunder doesn't strike anyone twice. Please pray for me, for God to help me survive the impeachment," said Mutai. The governor's remarks come amid heightened political tensions in the county, with the Assembly citing gross violation of the Constitution, gross misconduct, and misuse of public funds as grounds for his removal.

35 MCAs sign Governor Mutai impeachment notice

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35 MCAs sign Governor Mutai impeachment notice

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