Political tensions in Kericho County have taken a new twist as the contentious impeachment of Governor Erick Mutai spilled over into a solemn burial event, leading to chaos and disruption. The incident occurred during the funeral of former Member of County Assembly (MCA) Jones Kiplagat Mutai in Kipkerieny village, where emotions ran high as MCAs clashed publicly over the political fate of Governor Mutai.
Political Tensions Explode at the Burial
The burial, which was meant to be a solemn event, was abruptly disrupted when Nominated MCA Dora Keino took the microphone and expressed her support for the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Erick Mutai. According to eyewitnesses, Keino’s remarks immediately triggered outrage from Governor Mutai’s supporters present at the event. Tensions quickly escalated as other MCAs, aligned with either side of the political divide, began to voice their opinions, leading to heated confrontations that disrupted the proceedings.
One resident attending the burial stated that the speeches by the MCAs who supported the impeachment were cut short amid the chaos. “It was supposed to be a peaceful ceremony, but it turned into a political battlefield. It was disheartening to see leaders who should be preaching peace instead causing division,” the resident said.
Religious leaders present at the burial attempted to restore calm, calling on the leaders to maintain decorum and respect for the grieving family. They also urged local politicians to avoid using such solemn occasions to push their political agendas.
The Impeachment Motion Against Governor Mutai
The chaos at the burial is the latest in a series of dramatic political developments in Kericho County. Governor Erick Mutai faces an impeachment motion that has polarized both the County Assembly and the residents. The motion, tabled by Sigowet Ward MCA Kiprotich Rogony, was passed last week after 31 out of 47 members of the Kericho County Assembly voted in favor of it.
The impeachment motion accuses Governor Mutai of gross constitutional violations, abuse of office, and misuse of public resources. According to the motion’s proponents, Mutai’s administration has been marred by mismanagement, corruption, and failure to deliver essential services to the people of Kericho County.
Among the specific allegations leveled against Governor Mutai is the misuse of county funds meant for development projects, which critics claim have either stalled or been abandoned. Additionally, the governor is accused of using his office to enrich himself and close associates, leading to growing discontent among MCAs and county residents alike.
Governor Mutai, however, has dismissed the accusations as politically motivated and insists that his administration has been transparent in its dealings. He has accused his detractors of orchestrating a smear campaign to destabilize his leadership and derail his development agenda for Kericho.
Political Factions Emerge in Kericho
The impeachment process has divided Kericho’s political landscape, with factions emerging in both the County Assembly and among the electorate. On one side, there are MCAs like Dora Keino who have openly supported the impeachment motion, arguing that the governor’s mismanagement is unacceptable and that the county needs new leadership. These MCAs have been vocal in criticizing Mutai’s administration, calling for accountability and transparency.
On the other hand, a group of MCAs and residents loyal to Governor Mutai have come out strongly in his defense. They claim that the impeachment is being driven by political rivalries and that the accusations against the governor are baseless. This faction argues that the governor should be given more time to implement his policies and address the challenges facing the county.
The divisions are not limited to the political elite. Within Kericho County, there are reports of growing tensions between communities and political groups, with fears that the impeachment saga could lead to further unrest if not handled carefully. Some residents have called on the County Assembly and the governor to resolve their differences amicably and focus on the issues affecting the people of Kericho.
Senate to Determine Governor Mutai’s Fate
The impeachment motion is now set to be heard by the Senate, which will ultimately decide whether Governor Mutai will be removed from office. The Senate has scheduled hearings for Monday and Tuesday, October 14-15, 2024, when Senators will examine the charges against the governor and determine whether they hold merit.
Initially, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna had proposed the formation of a special committee of 11 members to investigate the impeachment charges in detail. However, this motion was defeated after Nominated Senator Veronica Maina declined to second it, leading Speaker Amason Kingi to rule that the Senate will hear the impeachment case in full plenary session.
The decision to hold a plenary hearing means that all Senators will have the opportunity to participate in the impeachment process, raising the stakes for both Governor Mutai and his supporters. If the Senate upholds the impeachment motion, Mutai will be removed from office, marking the end of his tenure as governor. However, if the Senate votes to dismiss the charges, Governor Mutai will remain in office, albeit with his political future in Kericho still uncertain.
The Impact of the Impeachment on Kericho’s Governance
The impeachment of Governor Mutai has not only created political divisions but has also raised concerns about the impact on governance in Kericho County. With the County Assembly and the governor’s office locked in a political struggle, there are fears that service delivery and development projects could stall as the leadership focuses on the impeachment saga.
Several key development projects in the county, including infrastructure upgrades, healthcare improvements, and education programs, have already faced delays due to political wrangling. Residents are growing increasingly frustrated as they see little progress on the ground, despite promises made by both the governor and the MCAs during their election campaigns.
Political analysts have also pointed out that the impeachment process could have long-term implications for Kericho’s political stability. If Governor Mutai is removed from office, it is likely that the county will face a prolonged period of political uncertainty, as new elections or appointments may be required to fill key positions in the county government.
Additionally, the impeachment process could set a precedent for other counties in Kenya, where governors are facing similar challenges. The outcome of Mutai’s case could influence how future impeachment motions are handled, both in Kericho and across the country.
Conclusion
The burial of former MCA Jones Kiplagat Mutai in Kericho County, which descended into chaos due to the political tensions surrounding Governor Erick Mutai’s impeachment, is a clear indication of the deep divisions that have emerged in the county. As the Senate prepares to hear the impeachment motion, the political future of Governor Mutai hangs in the balance.
For the people of Kericho, the hope is that their leaders will focus on resolving their differences and prioritize the county’s development. With so much at stake, including service delivery and governance, it is crucial that the impeachment process is handled transparently and fairly to restore stability in the region. The coming days will be critical as the Senate deliberates on Governor Mutai’s fate, with the potential to either end his tenure or offer him a lifeline to continue serving the people of Kericho.
