Wamuzi News Ke
Kericho County erupted into a constitutional crisis today, August 7, 2025, as Governor Erick Mutai made a dramatic appeal to President William Ruto to dissolve the entire county government—an unprecedented move that signals deep political fractures and intensifying conflict.
At a sharply worded press conference at county headquarters, a beleaguered Mutai confirmed he had formally initiated a constitutional petition under Article 192 of the Kenyan Constitution, suggesting that a suspension of the county government was now the only way forward. His demand follows the tabling of a second impeachment motion by Sigowet Ward MCA Kiprotich Rogony, delivered just hours earlier.
Mutai, under threat from legislative backlash and political isolation, accused fellow county leaders of orchestrating sabotage and said his administration could not be “held hostage” by internal dissent. To counteract the mounting pressure, he vowed to launch a countywide signature drive to back his dissolution request. “Let’s go for a fresh election and let the people decide,” he declared, assuring residents that a demonstration of popular will could sway the President to act.
This latest showdown marks the second major impeachment bid since Mutai assumed office in 2022. The first, also rooted in serious allegations, was dismissed by the Senate—with 34 senators voting to clear him despite initial assembly approval.
Beyond political manoeuvring, the impeachment motion appears tied to grave accusations of financial mismanagement. A county assembly Ad Hoc Committee blamed senior officials for irregular payments totaling around KSh 80 million, recommendations for dismissal, and disciplinary action followed. Mutai fired back, accusing the committee’s findings of being “manipulated” and tainted by monetary exchange.
Amid the growing storm, Mutai did not spare his deputy, Fred Kirui—blaming him as the whistleblower behind the impeachment push and lamenting his own oversight in making the appointment.
With the political temperature in Kericho soaring, all eyes now turn to State House. Will President Ruto grant the dissolution request—triggering early elections—or will the county brace for a protracted battle over leadership legitimacy?
