Alejandro Damron
Kericho residents poured into the streets at night, dancing and chanting after the Senate threw out Governor Eric Mutai’s second impeachment bid Senators voted 26 against, 16 in favour, and one abstained, with Speaker Amason Kingi ruling the MCAs had failed to meet the two-thirds threshold Jubilant residents hailed the ruling as a victory for their governor, declaring it proof that the Senate had upheld the will of the people Supporters dismissed the charges as politically driven, urging MCAs to abandon fights with Mutai and focus on development Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Wild celebrations erupted in Kericho at night after the Senate dismissed a second attempt by the County Assembly to impeach Governor Eric Mutai.
Governor Eric Mutai joins his supporters in celebration. Photo: Parliament of Kenya.
Source: Facebook In a tense session, 26 senators voted against the impeachment, ruling that Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) had failed to meet the two-thirds majority required to remove the governor. 16 senators voted in favour, while one abstained.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi declared the motion defeated, saying the constitutional threshold was not met, thereby terminating the impeachment process.
“So the nays have it. The result of the division indicates that the motion has been negatived. Consequently, the impeachment hearing hereby terminates,” Kingi ruled. How did Kericho residents celebrate Mutai’s survival? News of the Senate’s ruling sparked wild celebrations, with other residents breaking into dances.
Supporters flooded the streets, chanting Mutai’s name and thanking senators for what they termed as protecting the people’s will.
Residents said the decision vindicated their governor, who has now survived two impeachment attempts in less than a year.
“We thank God for this victory. A victory against lies and disrespect that we have witnessed from others. We say that Mutai was given the mandate by the people of Kericho County and he should be allowed to fulfil the work he promised his people. The will of the people must be respected. We thank the Senate for upholding the will of the people and allowing the governor to continue,” residents declared during celebrations. Rashid, a resident of Kericho, praised the Senate outcome, saying it was time for MCAs to focus on development instead of political fights.
How ouster attempt has changed Mutai’s fortunes He further stated that the county chief’s troubles had re-energised him politically, declaring that he would serve two terms.
“I am very happy today because our Governor, Dr Eric Mutai, survived the second impeachment. We want peace. Deliver to the people who voted for you. We never voted for you to go and fight the Governor. This thing must stop,” he said. Others described the ruling as proof that the Senate was committed to fairness, praising the lawmakers for their votes.
They implored the MCAs to now shift focus from the county boss and concentrate on fulfilling their primary duties.
“Today, we are very happy with the Senate of our country, Kenya. The Senators have shown us integrity. The Senators have shown us that they do their work with purpose, and they are doing it right for the citizens of Kenya. We thank the MCAs of Kericho County who also stood with our Governor. And now it is time for Governor Mutai to go back to Kericho County and fulfil his mandate. We are very happy. Thank you very much. Thank you very much,” added another resident. Hillary Kiongozi, another resident who was following the proceedings, was blunt in his assessment.
Governor Mutai responds to accusations against him in the Senate. Photo: Parliament Of Kenya.
Source: Facebook Claiming the allegations against Mutai were politically motivated by selfish leaders fighting for their interests.
“This impeachment was malicious. It didn’t have the issues that the people of Kericho wanted. It was self-centred, a witch hunt. People wanted positions, not service to the people. The Senate has vindicated Mutai.” What were the charges against Mutai? The Kericho County Assembly had accused Mutai of gross violation of the constitution, abuse of office, and gross misconduct.
MCAs claimed he mismanaged public funds, including KSh85.7 million in alleged fictitious payments and KSh351 million under the donor-funded National Agricultural Value Chain Development Programme (NAVCDP).
He was also accused of nepotism, irregular appointments, and illegal dismissals of senior staff.
Another charge alleged that Mutai incited residents to invade private land in Kericho town, later converted into a dumpsite against a court order.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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