BREAKING NEWS: Kericho Governor Erick Mutai survives impeachment

Kericho Governor Eric Mutai has once again survived an impeachment attempt after the Senate voted to clear him of all charges. 

The Senate decision, made on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, means that Mutai will continue serving as the county boss despite strong opposition from his county assembly.

The impeachment was initiated by the Kericho County Assembly, where 33 Members of County Assembly (MCAs) voted to remove him from office. 

They accused the governor of abusing his office, gross misconduct, and violating the Constitution. The motion was sponsored by Sigowet MCA Kiprotich Rogony. 

Chaos erupted during that assembly session, leaving some MCAs injured.

When the case reached the Senate, the biggest question was whether the county assembly had legally reached the threshold of 32 MCAs required to impeach a governor. 

Mutai’s lawyers argued that only 29 had properly voted. They also pointed out evidence suggesting some electronic votes had been cast from remote locations, including Kisumu and Nandi.

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi supported this claim, saying the electronic system used in the assembly was unreliable. 

Taita Taveta Senator Danston Mungatana added that the evidence presented did not meet the constitutional requirement.

After three days of hearings, senators voted on the matter. Out of 42 senators present, 25 voted against the impeachment, 16 supported it, and one abstained. 

This result meant that the impeachment failed and Mutai was free to continue his duties.

Speaking after the ruling, Mutai welcomed the decision, insisting that the accusations against him were politically motivated. 

He thanked the senators who “stood for the truth” and promised to focus on development projects for the people of Kericho.

This is the second time in less than a year that Mutai has been impeached by his county assembly, only to be rescued by the Senate.

The repeated battles highlight the deep political divisions in Kericho County.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, who presided over the proceedings, reminded leaders that impeachment should not be used as a political weapon.

He urged both the assembly and the governor to put aside their differences and work for the people.