Twice Cleared: Senate Rejects Second Impeachment Motion for Kericho Governor Eric Mutai

Twice Cleared: Senate Rejects Second Impeachment Motion for Kericho Governor Eric Mutai

Kericho Governor Eric Mutai has once again walked free after the Senate dismissed his second impeachment motion.

In a tense Thursday session, August 28, senators voted 26 against 16 to save the governor. One senator abstained.

This outcome means Mutai will remain in office despite relentless attempts by the Kericho County Assembly to remove him.

Senate Rules Against Assembly

The senators first decided on whether the County Assembly met the legal threshold to impeach him.

“The threshold for impeachment was not met. Therefore, the governor stands cleared,” Senate Speaker Amason Kingi declared.

That ruling nullified the Assembly’s earlier vote and gave Mutai another political lifeline.

Senators Question Evidence

The impeachment motion had accused Mutai of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violating the Constitution. However, senators sharply questioned the Assembly’s evidence.

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi dismissed the electronic voting results used by MCAs.

“Evidence shows some votes were cast outside the Assembly. How do you impeach a governor with remote voting?” Osotsi asked.

Taita Taveta Senator Danston Mungatana also raised doubts.

“The constitutional requirement of 32 votes was not legally met. The numbers simply don’t add up,” he argued.

Mutai Fights Back

Mutai’s defense team insisted that only 29 MCAs had voted against him. He claimed four votes listed as supporting impeachment were actually in his favor.

“This entire process was flawed from the start,” the governor stated.

“The truth is simple—Kericho’s people chose me, not my rivals.”

His lawyers further argued that the Assembly’s actions showed desperation, not justice.

Political Drama in Kericho

Mutai’s troubles began earlier on August 15 when 33 MCAs voted to impeach him in a chaotic session.

Fights broke out in the chamber. Several MCAs sustained injuries, while others were rushed to hospital.

This was the second time within a year that the Assembly tried to eject him. Both times, the Senate cleared him.

What Next for Kericho?

For now, Mutai’s supporters are celebrating his survival, while his opponents are left frustrated.

The Senate ruling has deepened Kericho’s political divisions, with many fearing fresh instability.

Still, Mutai insists he will not be distracted.

“I am focused on service delivery. Politics will not derail the dreams of Kericho people,” he promised.

ALSO READ: Twice Cleared: Senate Rejects Second Impeachment Motion for Kericho Governor Eric Mutai

Twice Cleared: Senate Rejects Second Impeachment Motion for Kericho Governor Eric Mutai