Skip to main content

Kericho Governor Escapes Impeachment, for the Second Time!

By Mwaniki Justin

The Common Pulse | August 2025


In a gripping political drama unfolding over three intense days (August 27–29), Kericho Governor Erick Mutai once again avoided removal from office, as the Senate ruled the County Assembly had failed to meet the constitutional two-thirds threshold for impeachment.



The Context and Charges

The impeachment motion had been tabled by the Kericho County Assembly on August 15, with a convincing 33 out of 47 MCAs voting in favor. The accusations against Governor Mutai included:

  • Gross violation of the law and misappropriation of county funds, allegedly involving KSh 85.7 million in fictitious payments and misused NAVCDP funds exceeding KSh 351 million.

  • Abuse of office through illegal appointments, dismissals, and interference with Assembly oversight.

  • Gross misconduct, including orchestrating a mob to invade private land against a court order.

Defense Strategy and Technical Hurdles

Mutai’s legal team, led by Katwa Kigen, challenged the credibility of the electronic voting system used during the Assembly vote, suggesting system vulnerabilities and insufficient training for MCAs. Witnesses testified they hadn’t actually cast votes despite records indicating otherwise.

Senate Ruling

In the plenary vote:

  • 26 Senators ruled the impeachment threshold had not been met.

  • 16 Senators supported the motion.

  • 1 Senator abstained.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi declared the proceedings immediately terminated, noting the constitutional requirement was not satisfied, thus ending the impeachment bid.

Governor’s Response

After the ruling, Governor Mutai expressed gratitude to his legal team and the 18 MCAs who stood by him. He called for unity among Kericho leaders to focus on development in the remaining two years of his term.

This marks the second time within a year that Mutai has dodged impeachment, first in October 2024, when only 31 MCAs supported the motion, just one short of the required threshold.

The repeated impeachment attempts underscore deep political rifts within Kericho County, raising questions about the motives behind the motions, whether they were rooted in governance concerns or political maneuvering.

Governor Mutai’s survival suggests his alliances remain strong, particularly with factions favoring continuity. For his critics, however, the outcome may feel like justice deferred, not served.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

No Exit: Biya’s Return, Democracy’s Decline

By Kirangacha Mwaniki The Common Pulse | August 2025 At 92 years old, Cameroonian President Paul Biya has signaled his intention to run for yet another term in the 2025 presidential election. Having ruled since 1982, Biya is now the second-longest-serving head of state in the world;  after Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang. His decision has sparked outrage, resignation, and confusion among Cameroonians, many of whom have never known another leader. This re-election bid is more than just a political event;  it is a glaring symptom of a system that has resisted reform, ignored generational change, and weaponized fear to maintain the status quo. The Man Who Time Forgot Paul Biya came to power before most Cameroonians were born. He has led through the Cold War, the rise of mobile phones, the internet revolution, and the African Continental Free Trade Area — all while aging behind the walls of Etoudi Palace. He is rarely seen in public, often ruling from abroad;  mostly Swit...
Post a Comment
Read more

Apollo vs. Venus Dimples: What Your Lower Back Dimples Really Mean.

  By   Justin Kirangacha | The Common Pulse/latest news/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / September 2025 Body features have always fascinated humans, sparking curiosity, myths, and even cultural obsessions. Among the most intriguing are the two small indentations found on the lower back , often referred to as “Apollo dimples” in men and “Venus dimples” in women . These natural marks have captured attention not just because of their aesthetic appeal but also due to the stories and meanings attached to them across history, fitness culture, and modern beauty trends. So, what exactly are these dimples, why do men and women have them, and why do they matter so much in today’s conversations around beauty and identity?   The Science Behind Lower Back Dimples Scientifically, these dimples are indentations formed by the sacroiliac joints , where ligaments connect the pelvis and spine. They are not muscle-related but are instead linked to genetics and body structure . People with lowe...
Post a Comment
Read more

Tanzania Travel Guide: Exploring Serengeti, Safaris, and Cultural Wonders.

   By  Mbula Peninah | The Common Pulse/latest news/kenya/Tanzania/Africa / September 2025. Wildlife Safari in Tanzania A wildlife safari in Tanzania is a dream come true for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The country boasts some of the richest ecosystems in the world, ranging from the vast Serengeti plains to the wetlands of Selous and the elephant-filled landscapes of Tarangire. Every safari feels like stepping into a real life documentary, where predators hunt, elephants march, and colorful birds brighten the skies. Whether you’re on a guided jeep safari, a walking safari, or even a hot-air balloon ride, Tanzania offers unmatched encounters with wildlife. Each park has its unique charm, ensuring travelers leave with unforgettable memories of Africa’s untamed beauty. Best Time to Visit Serenget i Knowing the best time to visit Serengeti helps travelers make the most of their safari experience. The dry season from June to October is particularly famous for the...
Post a Comment
Read more