The impeachment proceedings of Kericho Governor Erick Mutai on Friday, August 29, 2025, took a dramatic turn in the Senate when lawyer Elisha Ongoya, representing the embattled governor, launched a spirited defense that left one Kericho MCA visibly shaken and turning to the Speaker for relief.
During the heated session, Ongoya dissected the allegations and questioned the credibility of the county assembly’s impeachment process. He highlighted inconsistencies in the voting pattern, suggesting that the MCA’s vote had been manipulated to manufacture a majority against Governor Mutai.
The lawyer’s meticulous breakdown of the assembly records drew murmurs in the chamber, prompting the Senate Speaker to repeatedly intervene to restore order.
The MCA, who was central to the testimony, appeared unsettled as Ongoya pressed hard, demanding clarity on how their vote was recorded differently from their stated position.
At one point, the Speaker was forced to shield the witness, reminding counsel and members that Senate hearings were guided by respect and decorum.
Ongoya’s fiery submissions underscored his argument that Mutai’s removal was a product of flawed procedure and political vendetta rather than genuine accountability.
He insisted that Senate, as the protector of devolution, had the responsibility to scrutinize not just the charges but also the integrity of the process leading to impeachment.
The proceedings continue to attract national attention, with Kericho residents closely watching to see whether the Senate will uphold or overturn the county assembly’s move against Governor Mutai.
