Kericho County was on high alert on Friday, August 15, 2025, as Governor Erick Mutai faced his second impeachment hearing in less than two years, following allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and misappropriation of Ksh85 million in public funds.
The tense political showdown unfolded inside the Kericho County Assembly under a heavy police presence, with armed officers sealing off the building and patrolling nearby streets. The impeachment hearing sparked running battles between residents and security forces, after locals attempted to force their way into the chambers to follow the proceedings.
Attempted Arson at County Assembly
Hours before the impeachment session began, chaos erupted when unidentified individuals attempted to set the County Assembly building on fire at around 4:00 a.m. Speaker Patrick Mutai condemned the attack, revealing that part of the premises had already been damaged before security officers managed to put out the blaze.
“Unidentified persons stormed the assembly trying to burn it. Some minor sections were burnt, but thankfully our security officers were able to put out the fire in time,” said Speaker Patrick Mutai.
The matter has been reported to the National Police Service, and investigations are underway to identify the suspects.
Security Clashes Outside the Assembly
As the impeachment proceedings continued inside, the situation outside worsened. Police clashed with pro-Mutai and anti-Mutai supporters, firing teargas canisters to disperse crowds. Witness videos showed residents running for cover as clouds of teargas filled the streets near the County Assembly.
Charges Against Governor Mutai
The impeachment motion, filed by a section of Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), accuses Governor Mutai of:
- Irregular procurement processes
- Mismanagement of Ksh85 million in county funds
- Abuse of office and gross misconduct
Governor Mutai has denied all accusations, calling the impeachment politically motivated.
“This is nothing but a politically engineered move by my opponents. I have nothing to hide,” the governor declared in a press briefing earlier in the week.
Not His First Impeachment Battle
This marks the second impeachment attempt against Governor Mutai. In 2024, the County Assembly voted to remove him from office, but the Senate overturned the decision after 34 senators voted to dismiss the charges, while 10 supported his removal.
If the Senate upholds this latest motion, Governor Mutai could join the list of impeached Kenyan governors, including Mike Sonko, Ferdinand Waititu, and Kawira Mwangaza.
Political and Public Reactions
The impeachment process has divided Kericho residents, with some calling for accountability, while others argue it is an orchestrated move to block the governor’s development agenda.
Political analysts warn that the case could set a precedent for how corruption and governance disputes are handled in county governments.
