Senate to Hear Kericho Governor Erick Mutai’s Impeachment Motion.
The Senate has decided to address the impeachment motion against Kericho Governor Dr. Erick Mutai directly in plenary sessions. This decision follows the rejection of a motion by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, which sought to create a special 11-member committee to investigate the charges against the governor. The motion failed to advance after Nominated Senator Veronica Maina chose not to second it.
Senate Majority Leader Kingi announced that both parties must submit their relevant documents to the Office of the Clerk of the Senate by Saturday evening. The Senate plans to hold hearings on the impeachment motion on Monday and Tuesday of next week. However, Senate Majority Whip Boni Khalwale requested that the Speaker extend the duration of the hearings. He emphasized that the standard two-day period for witnesses often creates undue pressure and does not allow for comprehensive testimonies.
Khalwale remarked, “Based on previous impeachment hearings, the pressure on witnesses is excessive. I kindly request that we leave the duration of hearings open, allowing us to thoroughly address the issues at hand.” In response, Speaker Kingi stated that he would consider Khalwale’s proposal for future hearings. However, he noted that, due to the ongoing impeachment process against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in the National Assembly, the Senate may have limited time to conduct its proceedings.
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Speaker Kingi also informed the Senate about a message he received from the Speaker of the Kericho County Assembly. This message pertained to a resolution for the proposed removal of Governor Mutai from office. The accusations against the governor include gross violations of the Constitution and other laws, particularly concerning the misappropriation and illegal allocation of county funds. Additionally, there are claims of misappropriation or complicity in the misuse of publicly raised funds.
The Senate will move forward with discussions on the motion, despite an existing court order that blocks the hearing. This court order prohibits the Senate from accepting the resolution, effectively pausing the impeachment process until the case at the Kericho High Court is resolved. Furthermore, the court ordered Governor Mutai, as the petitioner, to continue performing all functions of his office until the hearing takes place.
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The order clearly states: “Pending the inter partes hearing of the motion, an interim order is hereby issued restraining the Speaker of the County Assembly of Kericho from submitting to the Senate the resolution made on October 2, 2024, to impeach the Governor of Kericho County.”
As the Senate prepares to hear the impeachment motion against Governor Erick Mutai, the proceedings promise to be contentious. With a mix of legal obstacles and intense political scrutiny, the situation remains fluid. Senators will have to navigate the complexities of the impeachment process while adhering to court mandates, ensuring they address the serious allegations against the governor without delay.
Senate to Hear Kericho Governor Erick Mutai’s Impeachment Motion.
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