Kericho: Kericho Governor Dr. Erick Mutai has broken his silence on the unfolding political turmoil in the County Assembly, dismissing the recent impeachment efforts against him as a calculated distraction aimed at crippling development and subverting the will of the electorate. Addressing the press at the Kericho County Headquarters, Dr. Mutai voiced strong concerns over what he described as a betrayal of public trust by elements within the county leadership.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Mutai accused certain individuals of disguising political sabotage as lawful oversight, warning that such tactics undermine effective governance. He stated, 'This is a sad day for Kericho. The county stands at a crossroads. What we are witnessing is not oversight; it is obstruction. It is not accountability; it is sabotage.'
The governor directed sharp criticism at the County Assembly leadership, accusing them of systematically frustrating the executive arm since his administration took office in September 2022. He claimed that budgetary provisions for key sectors, including agriculture, health, infrastructure, and water, had been arbitrarily altered, resulting in the stalling of flagship projects earmarked in both the County Integrated Development Plan and Annual Development Plans.
Speaking to the Kenya News Agency, Dr. Mutai accused the County Assembly of intentionally stalling the formation of statutory panels required for the recruitment of critical officials, including members of the County Public Service Board and the County Secretary. He claimed the delays had effectively crippled key governance functions and jeopardised the stability of county institutions.
The governor also took issue with recent disciplinary letters served to select Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), suggesting that the move was part of a broader scheme to manipulate the outcome of the impeachment motion against him. He condemned the impeachment move as politically driven and devoid of merit, calling on MCAs to rise above factional interests.
Despite the escalating political tension, Dr. Mutai reiterated his administration's unwavering commitment to delivering on their development agenda. He urged residents of Kericho to remain alert and resist what he described as backdoor schemes, aimed at destabilising the county's leadership and hijacking the democratic process.