Lawyer Katwa Kigen to lead Governor Mutai’s defence team

Three lawyers will represent Kericho governor Erick Kipkoech Mutai at the Senate during consideration of his removal from office by impeachment.

Mutai will be represented by Katwa Kigen, Tunen Manasseh and Doris Ng’eno in the impeachment proceedings.

The governor will also call six witnesses in the matter; one of them being himself.

The other five witnesses will give their testimonies in the form of affidavits. They are Gideon Mutai, George Kirer, Gillian Soi, John Malel and Geoffrey Korir.

The governor is facing three charges; gross violation of the Constitution and other laws, abuse of office and gross misconduct.

During this 13th Parliament, the Senate has dealt with five impeachments – two of which were considered by a Special Committee, while the other three were investigated in plenary.

“Notably, this is the second Governor proposed to be impeached during the current term of Parliament. It is important that we draw on the best practices from previous impeachments as we deliberate on this matter,” Speaker of the Senate Amason Kingi told the House.

The Senate will be sitting as a quasi-judicial body and will conduct investigations into the alleged violations of the Constitution and the law, and thereafter make its determination on the matter.

“Let me remind you that the impeachment hearing is not just a procedural formality but a critical process that plays a crucial role in upholding the principles of democracy and good governance. This hearing is one of the Senate's most vital oversight functions and key responsibilities,” Kingi said.