Will Kericho Governor Erick Mutai Survive Ong’oya’s Interrogation?
Advocate Elisha Ong’oya’s courtroom is a reputation shaped by pointed questions, dramatic pauses, and a knack for exposing weak arguments. He is front and centre in Senate impeachment proceedings against Kericho Governor Erick Mutai. But the ultimate question looms: will Mutai endure or crumble under Ong’oya’s scrutiny?
Ong’oya’s Signature Technique
During the Rigathi Gachagua impeachment, he methodically cornered MP Mwengi Mutuse, grilling him on speculative numbers, forcing admissions of vague evidence, and turning bold accusations into rhetorical dead ends. Moments like:
“You will not run away!” and “Don’t control my cross-examination!” became defining viral lines.
His interrogation style is built on precision: he zeroes in on contradictions, forces factual admissions, and highlights where emotional statements replace evidence.
Mutai’s Record: More Than Politics at Stake
On August 15, 2025, 33 of 47 MCAs voted for his removal, exceeding the constitutional two-thirds threshold.
Key allegations include:
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Misappropriation of funds (85.7M shillings on undelivered services; inflated prices like sodas at Sh500/bottle).
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Procurement violations, double payments, and nepotistic contracts.
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Abuse of office, unlawful appointments, and marginalising transparency in county projects.
This is a full-throated prosecution loaded with substance.
The Stage Is Set: Senate to Hold Plenary Hearings
Rather than forming a special committee, the Senate opted for a full plenary hearing, a stage rife with political and legal theatre. Hearings are scheduled for August 27–29, 2025, with parties expected to file responses by August 25, all documents to be circulated by August 26.
Who Holds the Upper Hand?
| If Mutai Has… | Then He Might Survive | If Mutai Uses Vague Defenses… | Then Ong’oya Might Dismantle Him |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audit reports, transparent procurement records, and substantiated defenses | He stands a chance. | General denials, emotional appeals, or technical delays | Ong’oya could unravel his credibility, just as he did with Mutuse. |
Mutai’s previous respite in October 2024 came via a procedural loophole when the Assembly failed to hit the required vote threshold.
This time, that safety net is gone. His survival hinges on a robust, factual defence. In the absence of hard evidence, Ong’oya’s sharp legal scalpel will likely leave few shields intact.
Will Mutai survive Ong’oya’s interrogation? In legal battles, preparation wins wars. If Mutai enters unarmed, lacking credible documentation or clarity, Ong’oya’s cross-examination could very well turn a governor into a cautionary tale.
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