The impeachment hearings in Kericho took an unexpected turn when Kapkatet Ward MCA Amos Kimutai pleaded with the Speaker to allow him to respond in his mother tongue. This came after he struggled to express himself in English while lawyers cross-examined him, leaving the chamber in murmurs.
A video of the moment, now circulating widely on social platforms, shows Kimutai hesitating before asking for permission to switch languages.
The clip, shared on Facebook here, has attracted thousands of reactions from Kenyans, with many debating whether elected leaders should be judged on their language skills or on their ability to represent the people.
The MCA was appearing as part of the ongoing impeachment trial of Kericho Governor Mutai. His difficulty in handling legal English questions has now added a fresh twist to proceedings that have already exposed sharp political divisions.
For some observers, the incident highlighted the growing tension between grassroots leaders and the legalistic structures that dominate county assemblies.
Supporters of Kimutai argue that leadership should not be reduced to fluency in English, pointing out that many voters relate more with leaders who use local dialects. Critics, however, see it as an embarrassing moment that underlines a lack of preparation among some MCAs when facing high-profile processes like impeachment.
The exchange also reignited debate about inclusivity in governance. Should Kenya officially embrace vernacular in parliamentary and county proceedings? Or should leaders be compelled to master Kiswahili and English as national and official languages?
As the trial continues, Kimutai’s request has overshadowed much of the legal back-and-forth, with social media turning the clip into a trending discussion. Whether it weakens his credibility or humanizes him as a leader close to the ground remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: the impeachment stage is no longer just about Governor Mutai, it has become a mirror reflecting deeper issues of representation, identity, and communication in Kenya’s politics.
By Newshub