ODM Senator Tom Ojienda on Saturday, August 30, explained why he voted against the impeachment of Kericho Governor Dr. Eric Mutai, emphasizing that the threshold for removal from office had not been met.He congratulated the Governor on surviving the proceedings and called on all stakeholders to refocus on service and leadership.
Governor Mutai has once again survived attempts to remove him from office after the Senate rejected impeachment proceedings initiated at the County Assembly.
The Senate ruled that the required two-thirds majority was not achieved, effectively halting the process.
Over three days of deliberations, Senators examined whether the voting at the County Assembly met the constitutional threshold.
The proceedings, however, focused more on procedural questions and the validity of the electronic voting system rather than the substantive charges filed against the Governor.
The County Assembly had leveled three charges against Governor Mutai: violations of the Constitution and other laws, abuse of office, gross misconduct.Despite these testimonies, doubts persisted regarding the authenticity of the voting process.
Twenty-six Senators voted against the impeachment motion, citing unverifiable voting records, while 16 Senators supported the motion and one abstained.
Senators Okongo Omogeni and Danson Mungatana highlighted the uncertainties surrounding the electronic voting system, installed just a day before the proceedings, which they said created reasonable doubt about the validity of the votes.
Senator Ojienda maintained that the burden of proof was not met, asserting that in cases of doubt, evidence should favor the Governor.
Ultimately, Speaker Amason Kingi terminated the impeachment proceedings, ruling that without a verified threshold at the County Assembly, the Senate could not proceed.
By Kenyans