High Court halts Kericho Governor impeachment motion

Kericho Governor Erick Mutai before the Senate Standing Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunities and Regional Integration at Bunge Towers, Nairobi on August 23rd, 2024. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] The High Court in Kericho has temporarily stopped the Kericho County Assembly from debating and voting on an impeachment motion against Governor Erick Mutai. In a ruling delivered on Thursday, Justice Joseph Sergon issued a conservatory order suspending the Speaker's memorandum to admit the motion, which had been scheduled for debate at the County Assembly plenary on Friday, August 15. Petitioners Wesley Ngeno and Victor Kipngetich Siele, along with another party, moved to court on August 13 seeking to block the proceedings, arguing that the process was unlawful. Justice Sergon said the matter was urgent and directed that it be heard during the court's vacation period. The case will be heard inter partes on August 25, 2025. The order restrains all parties, including the Speaker and members of the County Assembly, from seconding, debating, voting, or taking any further action on the impeachment motion until the matter is determined. This latest court intervention adds a fresh twist to the political battle surrounding Governor Mutai, who has faced mounting pressure from some members of the Assembly in recent weeks. Dr Mutai was facing a second impeachment attempt after the County Assembly approved a motion to remove him from office on charges related to Sh85 million paid to 45 companies for services allegedly not rendered. The motion filed by Sigowet Ward MCA Kiprotich Rogony accused him of misappropriation of taxpayers' and donor funds intended for various projects. Mutai's troubles can be traced to his deputy, Fred Kirui, who blew the whistle on graft allegations in the administration two weeks ago. According to Kirui, the county disbursed millions of shillings between October 2024 and April 2025 for questionable procurement, including catering services, office supplies, furniture, staff uniforms, vehicle maintenance, and computers. The renewed push for his removal follows damning findings by an Ad Hoc Committee of the County Assembly, chaired by Soliat MCA Albert Kipkoech, that investigated Kirui's claims. The committee's report implicated seven chief officers and the Finance County Executive Committee (CEC) member in a procurement scandal involving questionable payments totaling Sh 85.7 million-Sh 80.5 million to 41 companies and an additional Sh5.1 million to five companies with untraceable payment vouchers. Citing violations of the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, the committee recommended the dismissal of the Finance CEC, disciplinary action against the implicated Chief Officers, and called on the County Public Service Board to take appropriate steps. "The Governor bears ultimate responsibility under Section 30(3)(f) of the County Governments Act, 2012, for the management and safeguarding of county resources," MCA Kipkoech said. In tabling the impeachment motion, MCA Rogony stated, "The Governor's continued stay in office has, and will continue to, undermine effective administration of the Kericho County Government." He urged the Assembly to take decisive action to protect public trust. In a dramatic response, the governor vowed to petition President William Ruto to dissolve his government under Article 192 of the Constitution, citing irreconcilable differences between the executive and the assembly. Mutai claims the Assembly Speaker, Patrick Mutai, is leading a campaign of political blackmail. "My administration will not continue under blackmail. I officially consider and will pursue a constitutional petition for the dissolution of the County Government of Kericho. Let's go for a fresh election and let the people decide who should lead them," declared the governor.

High Court halts Kericho Governor impeachment motion

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