By Mandere Onyinkwa
Kericho Governor Dr. Erick Mutai has been impeached another time following a dramatic and unanimous vote by the County Assembly.
The impeachment marks a turning point in the county’s turbulent political landscape.
In a special sitting held Friday afternoon, 33 out of 47 Members of County Assembly (MCAs) voted “YES” to remove the governor from office, representing 100% of the votes cast.
The motion, tabled by Sigowet Ward MCA Kiprotich Rogony, accused Mutai of gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office, and mismanagement of county resources.
The Assembly Speaker confirmed the motion’s compliance with Standing Order No. 70 and announced the results to a packed gallery, setting the stage for Senate proceedings.
Governor Mutai, who was present during the session alongside his legal team led by Katwa Kigen, maintained a composed demeanor as the vote was read.
His earlier attempt to have the vote conducted by roll call was rejected, and the electronic tally sealed his fate.
The impeachment follows months of internal wrangling and accountability questions within the county government.
A previous attempt to impeach Mutai in 2024 failed at the Senate level, but this time, the Assembly comfortably surpassed the two-thirds threshold required to oust the county chief.
In response, Mutai has launched a bold counteroffensive, petitioning President William Ruto to dissolve the Kericho County Government under Article 192 of the Constitution.
He cited a complete breakdown in relations between the executive and the assembly, describing the political environment as “hostile and untenable”.
“This administration will not continue in this manner. We will not be held hostage,” Mutai declared, announcing plans to rally residents in support of a fresh mandate through countywide signature collection.
The impeachment motion now moves to the Senate, where Mutai will have an opportunity to defend himself.
If upheld, he will be permanently removed from office, joining the ranks of former governors Mike Sonko, Ferdinand Waititu, and Kawira Mwangaza.
The outcome of the Senate hearing will determine Mutai’s political future and once again test the resilience of devolved governance in Kenya.