MCAs Pursue Bett’s Impeachment Despite Ruto’s Plea
The wrangles within the Kericho County Assembly escalated on Monday, November 25, as Members of County Assembly (MCAs) moved forward with the impeachment of Deputy Speaker Erick Bett, defying a plea by President William Ruto made just a day earlier.
Tensions ran high during the assembly session as MCAs tabled an impeachment motion against Bett, leading to chaotic scenes between his allies and opponents. Bett, present during the session, accused his detractors of pursuing unconstitutional means to remove him.
“If they must remove me, the right procedure must be followed,” Bett asserted. “They are barring the media because they want to engage in monkey business. If they wish to remove me, let them do so transparently for the world to see.”
Majority Leader Philip Bono announced that the impeachment motion had been unanimously passed, with Bett already having appeared before a select committee last week. Bono further claimed that the uproar within the assembly stemmed from Bett’s realization that he was set to lose his position constitutionally.
“The chaos that some of our colleagues initiated is due to the numbers. The minority have the right to a say, but they must express their views inside the house, not outside parliamentary chambers,” Bono remarked.
The impeachment’s key driver, Kisiara MCA Gilbert Ngetich Kimarus, presented a report detailing grounds for Bett’s removal. Sigowet MCA Weldon Rogony supported the motion, emphasizing that Bett’s ouster adhered to procedural guidelines.
Notably, the MCAs’ decision to proceed with the impeachment blatantly ignored President Ruto’s appeal on November 24. Speaking during an interdenominational prayer service at Kipsitet Primary School in Sigowet/Soin Constituency, Ruto had urged Kericho leaders to prioritize his development agenda during their sittings.
Despite this, Kapsoit MCA Paul Chirchir justified the assembly’s actions, alleging that Bett’s removal was necessary due to his “rogue” behavior.
“The President wanted this session to shift focus from impeachment to development,” Chirchir explained. “This morning, we intended to honor the President’s directive, but we are dealing with a rogue speaker who disregards the rule of law.”
The embattled Deputy Speaker, appealing for intervention, called on President Ruto to step in and address the defiance shown by the MCAs.
“They have ignored your request, Mr. President. I urge you to intervene,” Bett implored.
The unfolding drama leaves the Kericho County Assembly in turmoil as leaders grapple with internal divisions and strained adherence to national directives.
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MCAs Pursue Bett’s Impeachment Despite Ruto’s Plea
