Governor Impeachment Motion Marred With Protests From Agitated Residents
On Tuesday, some Kericho Governor Eric Mutai supporters were denied access to the County Assembly.
They demonstrated in opposition to a move by a group of County Assembly (MCA) members to impeach the county chief.
By Tuesday noon, Kericho MCAs were debating an impeachment motion against the Governor, who they accused of gross misconduct.
Police were seen heavily protecting the area, some stationed at the gate and others in a police vehicle. The outraged residents held pro-Mutai placards and chanted “No Mutai, No Peace”.
Residents threatened to keep the MCAs who were presenting the impeachment motion inside the County Assembly buildings.
Kericho Governor Eric Mutai Faces Impeachment Over Disturbing Sexual Misconduct, Land Grabbing and Misappropriation of Funds
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) September 24, 2024
Kericho Governor Eric Mutai is embroiled in a serious political crisis as an impeachment motion has been filed against him citing multiple allegations of… pic.twitter.com/ohInmZNboq
The MCAs accused the governor of misappropriating funds intended to help Londiani victims.
He was also charged with gross violations of the constitution, various national and county laws, and abuse of office.
“While the governor is on record indicating that the medical bills for all the victims will be waived and taken care of by the county government,” part of the charge against the governor read.
“It is not clear why the money had to be paid out from the fund collected to various public hospitals against the expense and equivocal representations of the governor.”
Police block section of Kericho residents from accessing the Kericho County Assembly in protest against Governor Erick Mutai's impeachment motion pic.twitter.com/EOgfM75QIx
— Kenyans.co.ke (@Kenyans) September 24, 2024
Governor Mutai has also been accused of failing to work despite his generous allowances. Kiprotich Rogony, MCA for Sigowet, presented the impeachment motion.
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This is not the first time the MCAs will consider an impeachment motion against the governor.
In 2023, a section of Kericho MCAs threatened to impeach Mutai over allegations that he misappropriated Ksh14.5 million donated by well-wishers to respond to and assist victims of the Londiani Tragedy.
In June 2024, the governor was also called out for allegedly spending Ksh425.6 million meant for pending bill payments by his administration.
This comes after the County Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, pressed the governor to explain why his administration only spent Ksh 341.5 million to pay suppliers and contractors.
At the time, lawmakers wanted to understand the discrepancies identified by audit reports.
Governor Impeachment Motion Marred With Protests From Agitated Residents
