County assembly witnesses claim they sent governor Mutai money under duress

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A former Kericho County executive has claimed she was sacked after refusing to give money to impeached Governor Eric Mutai. 

She told the Senate the Governor persistently demanded cash from her and other officers to keep their jobs.

Ms Edna Tanui, a former CEC, said she contributed more than Sh1.5 million to Dr Mutai’s requests over two(2) years. She said the Governor often called, demanded money, and even quoted the figures he wanted.

She was dismissed on December 23, 2024 through a Facebook post. Dr Mutai said it was a reorganisation, but Ms Tanui told Senators she believes she lost her job because she stopped funding the Governor’s demands.

“I have never known why the Governor sacked me. I suspect I had to go because I refused to support him in his fundraisers,” she said.

Only Sh300,000 of her claims could be traced in M-Pesa records submitted by the Assembly. Ms Tanui insisted the balance of Sh1.2 million was given in cash to the Governor’s aides, naming Robinson Kiplagat and Renny Kipsang Ngetich.

“If given a chance, I can produce conversations with the Governor leading to the Sh1.2 million,” she said. She added this would need a court process to compel Safaricom to release call logs.

Senators pressed her to explain the gap. Senator Danson Mungatana (Tana River) asked why she lacked proof of the Sh1.2 million. Okongo Omogeni (Nyamira) demanded to know who deposited money into her account.

Senator Okiya Omtatah (Busia) asked why she never reported the harassment to investigators. Godfrey Osotsi (Vihiga) warned the funds could be proceeds of corruption and asked her to explain their source.

Ms Tanui responded that she runs several businesses, including farming, and all income passes through her Safaricom line. She said some flagged deposits were relatives repaying loans.

The Assembly also presented testimony from Kipngeno Bett, a former Chief Officer. He said the Governor repeatedly called him demanding money and once humiliated him before his family.

“I sent him money many times after he called demanding it. I don’t know where he expected me to get the money from,” Mr Bett said. He added that he sent money only to avoid insults.

A third witness, Alfred Mutai Korir, defended the integrity of the Assembly’s digital voting system. He said it was tamper-proof and no unauthorised person could access it.

Documents tabled by the Assembly showed deposits into Ms Tanui’s account, including Sh50,000 from Paul Misik, Sh10,000 from Janet Koech and Sh10,000 from Beatrice Kiptanui.

The County Assembly accuses Dr Mutai of turning his office into a cash-collection point. Senators will now decide whether the witnesses have provided enough proof that he abused his office for personal gain.