Members of the Kericho County Assembly have launched impeachment proceedings against Kericho Governor Erick Mutai for alleged gross violation of the constitution and other laws, gross violation of various national and county laws, abúse of office, and gross misconduct.
The Members of County Assembly (MCAs), led by Sigowet Ward MCA Kiprotich Rogony, formally presented articles of impeachment on Tuesday, authorising the impeachment inquiry into Governor Mutai.
“The governor has variously committed constitutional wrongs that subvert the structure of government and undermine the integrity of the office and even the constitution itself,” said MCA Rogony while tabling the motion at the county assembly.
> Co̩urt of Appeal Rejects Pastor Ezekiel’s Church
The MCA released a lengthy report accusing the governor of corrúption and seeking to allow his close circle to profit off his office in connection with employment and the county government’s funds.
“The present and former chief executive committee members and chief officers have variously reported coercion by the governor to make financial allocations for the governor’s use from the funds allocated to their respective departments and which funds they were required to remit through the governor’s personal assistants,” he said.
On abúse of office and gross misconduct, the MCA also wants Governor Mutai impeached over false advertisement of job positions for doctors, nurses, and early childhood education (ECDE) teachers just to ingratiate himself politically when he knew the county had no vacant jobs.
“The applicants were subsequently not shortlisted, nor were the alleged vacancies filled up,” MCA Rogony disclosed.
The County Assembly, through Speaker Patrick Mutai, has made clear their intention to quickly dispense with the articles and the matter is set for hearing on October 2, 2024.
The MCAs cited an “ethical duty” to hold the governor accountable for the alleged irregularities which have significantly impaired the service delivery system in the county and betrayed the public trust.
