Why graft claims in Mutai’s failed ouster could come back to haunt him

Kericho Governor Eric Mutai/FILE

Kericho Governor Eric Mutai may have survived impeachment for the second time in less than a year, but graft claims directed at his administration are far from settled.

The governor avoided removal after the Senate terminated his impeachment on a technicality.

Still, allegations of fictitious and double payments to firms, extortion, and harassment of senior county staff continue to trail his government.

Sources indicate that some county leaders are considering petitioning anti-graft agencies to investigate the alleged mismanagement of public funds.

“We want to tell you that, by bad luck, if you escape the Senate today, you will not escape the next trap that the people of Kericho have laid for you,” Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot warned during debate.

The Senate Majority Leader, a close ally of President William Ruto, said evidence presented by MCAs pointed to “systemic corruption” in Kericho.

“Do you want to tell me that you are leaving here convinced the county assembly has not proved beyond a reasonable doubt that there is widespread graft in the county government?” he asked.

Cheruiyot’s remarks carry significant weight given his influence in the Kenya Kwanza administration and the President’s renewed anti-graft drive.

Earlier this week, Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok and former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati were charged with corruption.

During Mutai’s impeachment trial, the county assembly alleged that his administration paid up to Sh8.4 million in double retention fees to eight companies.

“If this were one isolated transaction, it could be excused. But the multiplicity shows either a governor not in control or complicit in the ills,” lawyer Elisha Ongoya, representing the assembly, told senators.

The MCAs also alleged mismanagement of funds under multiple programmes, including the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project, Financing Locally-Led Climate Action Fund, and Strategic Intervention Projects.

They further linked Mutai’s administration to the handling of nearly Sh9 million raised for victims of the Londiani road accident.

Mutai’s government was also said to have taken over private land for a county dumping site. The assembly told senators a fence had been pulled down and the property designated for waste disposal.

In response, the governor maintained that the land belongs to the county and that the process of acquiring a title deed was underway, with the assistance of Senator Cheruiyot.

Mutai rejected all the allegations, saying they were politically driven.

“What is happening in Kericho is a well-orchestrated political conspiracy to remove me. The speaker’s interest is to become governor,” he said.

On the Londiani accident funds, Mutai argued he had no role in the funeral committee, which he said was established by the county secretary and county commissioner.

The governor urged senators to allow him to implement reforms and act on recommendations from investigative agencies.

“I know how weighty these matters are. Given a chance, I will implement reports in full and deal with culpable officers now and in the future,” he said.