Kericho Governor Erick Mutai has urged President William Ruto to dissolve the Kericho County Government, citing a
complete breakdown in relations between the executive and the County Assembly, saying that has rendered governance impossible.
Speaking at the county headquarters shortly after a notice
of motion to impeach him was tabled in the County Assembly on Wednesday, Mutai
described the political environment as hostile and untenable.
“I am therefore officially pursuing a constitutional
petition for the dissolution of the County Government of Kericho under Article
192 of the Constitution of Kenya,” he announced.
To support the petition, the governor said his
administration would launch a countywide campaign to collect signatures from
residents endorsing the move.
“Let’s go for a fresh election and let the people decide who
should lead them. My administration will not continue in this manner. We will
not be held hostage. We hope that when the President receives Kericho’s
petition, he will respect the people’s will and allow us all to seek a fresh
mandate,” said Mutai.
The dissolution request comes after a fresh impeachment
notice was tabled against the governor.
The motion, dated August 6, was tabled by Sigowet Ward MCA
Kiprotich Rogony.
It marks the second attempt to oust Governor Mutai since he
took office in 2022.
The petition included a signed list of MCAs supporting the
process, documentary evidence, and a formal motion.
The documents were addressed to the Clerk of the County
Assembly, who acknowledged receipt and confirmed the motion met the threshold
set under Standing Order No. 70.
While tabling the motion, Rogony cited governance and accountability issues as key
drivers of the renewed push to remove the governor.
The latest attempt revives a political battle that began in
2024 when a similar impeachment bid failed after the Senate dismissed it on
procedural grounds.
Mutai dismissed a report by an Ad Hoc Committee of the
County Assembly that recommended the dismissal of the Finance CEC and
disciplinary action against seven Chief Officers. He alleged the findings were
influenced by bribery and political interference.
The governor also turned his fire on Deputy Governor Fred
Kirui, accusing him of betrayal.
“I made a mistake appointing my Deputy Governor. He is the
whistleblower behind the Assembly report,” said Mutai.
Despite the fresh motion, the governor expressed his
readiness to appear before the County Assembly next week to defend himself
against the accusations.
