Chaos erupts as Kericho Governor Erick Mutai impeached

Kericho Governor Erick Mutai has been impeached. The embattled Governor was removed from office after a vigorous defense during the County Assembly proceedings.

All 33 MCAs voted unanimously to dismiss him for the second time, following an impeachment motion introduced by Sigowet Ward MCA Kiprotich Rogony.

Mutai faced accusations including misappropriation of public and donor funds and abuse of office. MCA Rogony, supported by the majority, alleged that the Governor authorized payments amounting to Ksh.85 million to contractors for work that was never completed — claims that Mutai strongly denied.

This marks the second impeachment attempt against the Governor within two years. He was also charged with misusing funds raised for Londiani accident victims and improper recruitment of county staff, accusations he refuted.

The impeachment process had been temporarily halted by the High Court in Kericho after two petitioners challenged its legality.

The hearing concluded amid chaos similar to how it began: inside the assembly, a scuffle broke out among MCAs following the vote, resulting in one injury.

Earlier in the day, youth clashed with police as they tried to disrupt the proceedings. Additionally, a confrontation between County Assembly security personnel and the crowd led to damage to a county vehicle within the assembly grounds.