The High Court in Kericho has issued interim conservatory orders stopping the County Assembly of Kericho from proceeding with actions that could strip five Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) of their positions, pending the hearing of a petition filed against the assembly’s leadership.
In a ruling delivered by Justice J.K. Sergon, the court certified as urgent a motion filed on August 11, 2025, by MCA for Kabianga/Chemamul, Dominic Kipkirui Mutai, Nominated MCA Bavina Chepkirui, and three others challenging notices and proceedings that sought to declare their positions vacant.
The petitioners are also contesting a “Notice to Show Cause” issued to them on August 6 over alleged non-attendance of assembly sessions.
The development follows a directive issued on August 6 by County Assembly Speaker Dr. Patrick Mutai, requiring five MCAs; Winnie Langat, Isaack Matker, Bavina Serem, Dominic Mutai, and Noela Opile to respond within seven days to show-cause letters after allegedly missing eight consecutive sittings.
Justice Sergon directed that until the matter is heard inter partes on August 26, no further proceedings, decisions, or gazettement of the petitioners’ positions as vacant should take place.
The court also barred the respondents including the Speaker and Clerk of the County Assembly from preventing the petitioners from accessing the assembly, participating in debates, or voting on any matter, including the impeachment motion against the Governor of Kericho scheduled for August 15.
The judge further restrained the respondents from any acts that would remove, evict, obstruct, or otherwise interfere with the petitioners’ rights and privileges as duly elected and nominated MCAs of Kericho County.
The orders come amid heightened political tension in the county, with the County Assembly of Kericho expected to debate and vote on an impeachment motion against Governor Dr Eric Mutai on August 15.
The motion, tabled by Sigowet Ward MCA Kiprotich Rokony, follows a damning report by an Ad Hoc Committee, which unearthed fraudulent expenditure amounting to over Sh85.7 million during the 2024/2025 financial year.
