Kericho Governor, deputy in fresh Sh80m dispute

Kericho governor Erick Mutai before the Senate Standing Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunities and Regional Integration at Bunge Towers, Nairobi. August 23rd,2024 [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Kericho Governor Erick Mutai is facing fresh corruption allegations, just months after surviving an impeachment bid. This time, his deputy, Fred Kirui, is accusing the governor of orchestrating fictitious payments amounting to Sh80 million. The payments were allegedly made irregularly by senior county officials to at least 35 companies without adhering to procurement procedures, and no goods or services were delivered in return. Eng Kirui claims the payments violated procurement laws and has formally petitioned Kericho County Assembly Ad Hoc Committee, chaired by Soin MCA Albert Kipkoech, to investigate the alleged theft of public funds. The allegations are damaging to the governor, who narrowly survived impeachment in October 2024. In response, Dr Mutai accused Kirui of malicious intent, suggesting that the allegations are a political maneuver to advance Kirui's own ambitions for the governorship. "I have suffered. I have been running this office while my deputy has been absent since we took the oath. I last saw him in office nearly three years ago. Where was he when the money was allegedly being stolen? Now he suddenly resurfaces to claim money was siphoned," Mutai posed. The governor criticised Kirui's approach, stating that the matter should have been addressed internally rather than through the media. "Instead of holding a press conference, he should have summoned relevant officers and asked for an explanation. There was no need to go public," Mutai added. Despite their differences, Mutai expressed his trust in the Ad Hoc Committee to conduct a thorough investigation and promised appropriate action based on its findings. "The County Assembly report will reveal the truth. If public funds were indeed stolen, I will not hesitate to fire those responsible," he said. Mutai also claimed the implicated chief officers and county executive committee members are cleared, he would reconsider how to deal with what he described as Kirui's continued disruptions. "We must decide what action to take against someone who keeps causing upheaval. I was elected democratically and that must be respected," he added. The deputy governor has also contacted the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, urging further investigations. He insisted he would not back down from his allegations. "Payments were made to certain companies without following procurement laws under the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act of 2015. Moreover, no goods or services were delivered," he said. Kirui emphasized that such practices damage public trust, undermine leadership, and constitute economic crimes against the people of Kericho. While appearing before the Ad Hoc Committee, Kirui defended his decision to go public, asserting that he has a solid case supported by his own research. "I believe I have a strong case. My stance in the cabinet has always been that the law must be followed," he said. When Assembly Deputy Speaker Cheruiyot Bett questioned him about why he exposed issues within a government he serves, Kirui replied: "I signed an integrity code of conduct. My focus is on transparency in the executive. Taxes must be utilised correctly." He also dismissed claims that he has neglected his duties. "I am in office full-time. That's where I compiled my case, and I even held the press briefing-right in my office, not somewhere remote," Kirui clarified. Resolving queries from Chemosot MCA Anita Biegon regarding his refusal to resign given the principle of collective responsibility in the executive, Kirui affirmed that he has faithfully served despite feeling sidelined. "I will not resign. We are duty-bound to safeguard public resources, and I have done my part," he declared. Kirui further criticised what he described as a humiliating executive order that assigned him to the water department, effectively placing him under the Chief Officer and CEC member for that department. "I have not created a crisis in Kericho County Government. After the reconciliation mediated by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, I have remained committed and professional. I have never publicly attacked my boss," he added. Senator Aaron Cheruiyot has also intervened in the corruption controversy at the county government, urging the County Assembly to act swiftly and impartially to uncover the truth behind the suspicious transactions involving at least Sh80 million during Mutai's administration.

Kericho Governor, deputy in fresh Sh80m dispute

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