Former Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba was on Wednesday morning blocked from entering the Senate chambers for a plenary hearing on the impeachment of Kericho Governor Eric Mutai, despite presenting a court order reinstating her position.

• Orwoba accused Speaker Amason Kingi of allowing a "stranger," newly nominated Senator Consolata Nabwire, to attend, rendering the proceedings unlawful.
• The incident follows a Political Parties Dispute Tribunal ruling that directed United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to reverse actions against Orwoba, citing legal and procedural irregularities.
• Orwoba urged Kericho residents to oppose the "unlawful" Senate proceedings.

The Senate has commenced impeachment hearings against Kericho Governor Eric Mutai, following his ouster by the County Assembly on August 15 over allegations of gross constitutional violations and abuse of office. Governor Mutai has assembled a legal team led by prominent lawyer Katwa Kigen to challenge the proceedings.

• Governor Mutai faces accusations including financial impropriety, nepotism, and disregard for procurement laws.
• His defense argues the impeachment vote violated a High Court conservatory order issued on August 14 and lacked transparency due to a flawed electronic voting system.
• The hearings, scheduled from August 27-29, will feature presentations from both the County Assembly team, led by lawyer Elisha Ongoya, and Governor Mutai’s defense, with a final determination expected by Friday evening, August 29, 2025.

Kericho Governor Eric Mutai has pleaded not guilty to three charges of gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office, and gross misconduct as the Senate opened impeachment hearings. He was impeached by the Kericho County Assembly on August 15.

• Among the accusations, Mutai is alleged to have authorized fictitious payments for over Sh 85 million, misused Sh 351 million from the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), and misappropriated Sh 39 million for the “Equalizer Kazi Mtaani” initiative.
• The governor is accused of illegal appointments, including his brother and a personal assistant’s wife, and leading a mob to invade private land for a dumpsite against a court order.
• Mutai’s legal team, led by Senior Counsel Katwa Kigen, argues the impeachment was unconstitutional and procedurally flawed, citing a High Court order from August 14 barring debate. The trial is scheduled to run from August 27 to August 29, with a verdict expected by Friday, August 29, 2025.