Senate to hear charges against impeached Kericho Governor Mutai

Kericho Governor Dr Erick Mutai at the County Assembly. [File, Standard]

The Senate is set to hold a plenary session to hear charges against impeached Kericho Governor Eric Mutai, a critical decision despite a court order blocking the hearing.

Dr. Mutai is scheduled to appear before the senators next week, despite a court injunction that temporarily halted the Senate's process.

The order from the Kericho High Court restrained the Senate from proceeding with the impeachment until the case is heard. It also directed Mutai, the petitioner, to continue discharging all duties as the Kericho County Governor in the meantime.

However, the Senate will proceed with evaluating the accusations that led to the impeachment, determining whether to uphold the impeachment or reinstate him to office.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi informed the Senate that a motion to form a special committee to investigate the charges collapsed after failing to get a seconder. This opened the way for the entire Senate to hear the charges and reach a decision.

"Both parties should submit their documents to the Office of the Clerk of the Senate by Saturday evening. The Senate will hear the impeachment motion against Governor Mutai on Monday and Tuesday next week," Kingi announced.

Senate Chief Whip Boni Khalwale requested an extension of the hearing period to three or four days to ease the pressure on witnesses, citing past cases where the two-day hearings created undue strain.

Mutai was impeached after 31 out of 47 MCAs voted in favor of the motion, sponsored by Sigowet Ward MCA Kiprotich Rogony.

Although the county chief was expected to defend himself against the accusations, he did not attend the session. Instead, he sent a legal team led by lawyer Katwa Kigen to represent him.

Despite a court order to pause the proceedings, the County Assembly continued with the impeachment, alleging that the order was not served in time.