Kericho Governor Eric Kipkoech Mutai is facing a second impeachment attempt by the Kericho County Assembly, with his fate now resting with the Senate. Last Friday, members of the Kericho County Assembly voted for his removal, citing alleged abuse of office. This move is perceived by his supporters as a concerted effort to prematurely end his political career.

The County Assembly transmitted the impeachment decision to the Senate Speaker's office on August 18, 2025. Speaker Patrick Mutai of the Kericho County Assembly formally sent a letter to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, accompanied by the approved motion, supporting evidence, and full records of the proceedings, in line with the County Governments Act, 2012.

The motion to remove Dr. Mutai was approved after an electronic vote indicated that 33 out of 47 ward representatives supported it. This marked the second time the assembly had impeached Governor Mutai in less than a year, with the first attempt in October 2024 having been survived after 34 Senators voted to discontinue the hearing. The current proceedings are scheduled to commence at 2:30 p.m. on August 20, 2025, at the Senate Chamber in the Main Parliament Buildings, Nairobi, following a request by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot.

The motion was introduced by Sigowet MCA Kiprotich Rogony, who accused the county chief of alleged gross constitutional violations, illegal tender awards, and misconduct in public office. Specific allegations include fictitious payments totalling hundreds of millions of shillings, such as Sh3.9 million for maintaining 70 houses in Kipkelion West, Sh14.9 million for undelivered animal feed, and overpriced commodities like Sh500 sodas and Sh3,250 tissue paper bales. Further accusations include bias in the allocation of the Equaliser Locally-led Climate Action Fund, with the governor's home ward receiving Sh5.7 million while others received none, and misappropriation of Sh353 million from the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project and Sh39 million under the Equaliser Kazi Mtaani Initiative.

In his defense, Governor Mutai vehemently denied any wrongdoing. He claimed the allegations, particularly concerning an alleged fictitious payment of Sh85 million, were part of a broader scheme to incite public emotion against his administration. He argued that a governor has no role in withdrawing funds and does not possess accounting rights. Mutai also expressed concern that the impeachment motion followed recommendations from the Kipkoech-led Ad Hoc Committee for the dismissal of the finance executive and disciplinary measures against seven chief officers, noting he had not been given adequate time to act on these recommendations. He further stated, “Even if I am impeached, I will leave with my head held high. I am not guilty. I am not afraid. I have searched my soul over the past week and know that I am not a perfect person. I make mistakes just like anyone else.”

Amidst the legislative turmoil, chaos erupted in the assembly immediately after the electronic vote results were displayed, with a group opposing the outcome screaming and chanting slogans. An attempted arson attack also occurred at the assembly building hours before the motion was tabled, when unknown individuals hurled a Molotov cocktail onto the roof.

Compounding the controversy, 18 Members of the County Assembly have filed affidavits with the Senate, asserting that the impeachment process was irregular and unconstitutional. Led by Soin MCA Naaman Rop, they allege the August 15 proceedings were marred by procedural improprieties, lack of transparency, and breaches of fair administrative practices. They claimed the Speaker failed to conduct proceedings impartially, demonstrating bias and preventing members from adequately expressing their views. A key grievance was the sudden introduction of electronic voting machines without prior notice, training, or approval, installed the night before the session without proper tendering. The dissenting MCAs abstained from voting due to unfamiliarity with the system, questioning the integrity of the vote count. The Senate will now decide whether the governor will stand trial following this second impeachment attempt.