President Ruto Using Blackmail to Impeach Governor Mutai – Karungo Wa Thang’wa
- Christabel Adhiambo
- Aug 19
- 2 min read
Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa has accused President William Ruto of using pre-emptive blackmail to influence the ongoing impeachment process against Kericho Governor Erick Mutai.
In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, August 19, Thang’wa faulted the President for alleging that senators were bribed during impeachment hearings, saying the remarks were intended to manipulate public perception ahead of the case.
“President Ruto is practicing pre-emptive blackmail. By shouting that senators are bribed during impeachments, he’s not suddenly discovering corruption, he’s laying ground to manipulate perception,” Thang’wa said.
The senator noted that while corruption has been cited in past proceedings, the timing of the President’s remarks was questionable, coming just as the Senate begins hearing charges against Governor Mutai.
“We know money has exchanged hands before, but why raise it now, just as the Senate begins hearing the charges against Governor Erick Mutai of Kericho? By the way, Gov. Mutai is a Kipsigis – if you know you know,” he wrote.
Thang’wa accused the Head of State of attempting to corner the Senate into a lose-lose situation.
“If we impeach, he takes credit. If we don’t, he says we were bought. That’s not fighting graft, that’s weaponizing the truth for political convenience,” the senator argued.
He further urged the President to respect institutional independence, insisting that the Senate will not bow to pressure.
“Mr. President, stop trying to blackmail institutions. The Senate will not be intimidated by your preemptive tactics,” he stated.
Governor Mutai is facing impeachment charges brought forward by the Kericho County Assembly, with the Senate is expected to have a hearing this week.
Kericho Governor Erick Mutai was impeached for a second time by Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) following a vote on August 15, 2025.
The motion to remove him from the office was supported by a total of 33 MCAs out of the 47, surpassing the required two-thirds majority.
However, the matter was later overturned when it reached the Senate, allowing Mutai to retain his position.
If the Senate upholds the County Assembly’s latest decision, Mutai will be permanently removed from office.
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