Governor Eric Mutai Denies All Charges Filed Against Him Amid Impeachment Threat: "Not Guilty"
Kericho governor Eric Mutahi was impeached by 31 MCAs on charges of violating the Constitution, abuse of office, and gross misconduct
The motion was sponsored by Sigowet MCA Kiprotich Rogony who claimed that the governor's actions had brought ridicule to the county
However, a petition to stop the ongoing impeachment hearing at the Senate had been filed, claiming that the motion was supported by 2/3 of the MCAs
Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.
Kericho governor Eric Mutai was impeached after 31 out of 47 MCAs voted in favour of the motion, sponsored by Sigowet Ward MCA Kiprotich Rogony.
Kericho governor Eric Mutai at the senate for a hearing about his impeachment. Photo: Senate of Kenya.
Source: Twitter
Why accusations were levelled against Governor Mutai?
Rogony accused Governor Mutai of three offences, including gross misconduct, violating the Constitution, and abuse of office. He argued that the governor's actions have brought ridicule and shame to the county.
Additionally, the MCA asserted that the governor's actions demonstrated a disregard for the law, as he incited a mob to unlawfully seize land belonging to a private individual and designated it as a dumping site without obtaining NEMA's approval.
Additionally, Rogony alleged that several women had filed complaints against the governor for coercing them into inappropriate sexual acts.
Governor Mutai pleads not guilty to all charges
However, during the Senate hearing that began on Monday, October 14, the governor pleaded not guilty to all the allegations against him.
"The governor enumerated above have collectively brought dishonour into the office of the governor in violation of chapter 6 of the Constitution, and the Leadership and Integrity Act 2012. How do you plead to ground three, guilty or not guilty?" asked the clerk of the senate.
"I plead not guilty," the governor responded.
Petition filed to stop Governor Mutai's impeachment
Meanwhile, TUKO.co.ke has witnessed a court document where three individuals, including Ronald Kibet Too, George Muiruri Njau, and Christopher Kimiti Njoroge, moved to court to stop the hearing of the governor's impeachment by the Senate.
The petitioners argued that the motion was not supported by 2/3 of all the MCAs and hence the outcome was unconstitutional, irregular, and unprocedural.
"The Senate lacks jurisdiction to hear and determine an impeachment motion that has not met the threshold stipulated under Article 181 (2) of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 33 (2) of the County Governments Act. If the Senate proceeds to hear and determine the impeachment motion as it is, it will set a bad precedent that will water down the constitutional threshold of passing resolutions by legislative bodies," read the petition in part.
They urged the court to certify the case as urgent to prevent the ongoing hearing by senators.
Governor Eric Mutai pleads for forgiveness
Before his impeachment, the governor pleaded with the MCAs and the Kericho residents to spare him the impeachment.
Mutai implored MCA to pardon him for the alleged accusation of gross violations of the constitution and sexual-related offences considering that he is a husband and a father and to young children.
In his apology, the Kericho governor asked the MCAs and residents to forgive him if he had done anything wrong while discharging his duties.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
