Kericho Governor Eric Mutai is set to face a full Senate trial after Senate Speaker Amason Kingi gazetted special sittings to deliberate on his impeachment. The hearings will begin on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 9 am in the Senate Chambers, with Kingi making it clear that no other business will be transacted during the sessions. Once concluded, the Senate will adjourn until Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
Governor Mutai, who now faces heightened political and legal scrutiny, has been accused of gross violations of the Constitution, misuse of public funds, abuse of office, and gross misconduct. Documents tabled before the Senate paint a damning picture, highlighting alleged instances of financial impropriety, nepotism, and disregard for court orders.
Among the most serious accusations is the authorisation of fictitious payments amounting to Sh85.7 million for undelivered goods. Mutai is also alleged to have presided over inflated contracts, irregular procurement processes, and incomplete projects, raising concerns about widespread mismanagement of county resources.
This marks the second time Mutai is being subjected to an impeachment trial at the Senate. In October 2024, he survived a similar attempt after the Kericho County Assembly failed to meet the required two-thirds majority vote to push the process forward. However, with fresh evidence and renewed momentum from the county assembly, the stakes in the upcoming trial are considerably higher.
If the Senate upholds the charges, Mutai will be removed from office, becoming one of the few county bosses to be ousted through impeachment since devolution began. If acquitted, however, he will secure yet another political lifeline, reinforcing his resilience in the face of persistent corruption and misconduct allegations.
The trial is expected to ignite heated debates in the Senate, with the political divide likely to reflect both party loyalties and regional interests. For residents of Kericho, the outcome will be a defining moment, potentially reshaping local governance and accountability.
As August 27 approaches, all eyes will be on the Senate to determine whether the governor can weather this latest political storm or if his tenure will be brought to an abrupt end.
