In a significant decision, Senators voted to uphold a preliminary objection that effectively terminated the impeachment proceedings against Kericho County Governor, Dr. Erick Mutai.

A total of 34 Senators voted in favour of the objection raised by Governor Mutai's legal team, led by Counsel Katwa Kigen while 10 Senators opposed it.

Earlier, Speaker Amason Kingi allowed the Senate to vote on the objection despite an invitation by the Governor’s legal team for him to exercise his powers under Rule 30 to make a direct ruling on the matter. Instead, Speaker Kingi stated, “In the context of the totality of the current proceedings, I rule that the question on whether to uphold the preliminary objection raised by the Counsel for the Governor will be determined by a vote of the Senate.”

The objection raised by Dr. Mutai's defence centered on whether the impeachment proceedings in the Kericho County Assembly met the two-thirds threshold required under section 33 of the County Governments Act and the Kericho County Standing Orders. Counsel Kigen argued that only 31, rather than the required 32, Members of the County Assembly voted to approve the impeachment Motion, rendering the process invalid.

Despite efforts by the County Assembly's legal team to contest the objection, the Senate’s vote in favour brought an abrupt end to the proceedings.

Earlier in the session, Speaker Kingi also ruled on a Court Order attempting to bar the Senate from conducting the impeachment hearing, reiterating the Senate's authority. “Parliament cannot be prevented from the discharge of its constitutional functions by dint of an order of court,” he declared, affirming the Senate's autonomy in handling its business.