Proceedings in the Senate took a light-hearted turn on Thursday when Kapkatet Ward MCA Amos Bii asked to give evidence in his mother tongue during Governor Erick Mutai’s impeachment trial. Bii is among 18 Kericho ward representatives who swore affidavits denying support for the motion to remove the governor.
While being cross-examined by Governor Mutai’s lead lawyer, Katwa Kigen, the 63-year-old legislator insisted he never cast a vote for impeachment. “I never voted. I’m an old man, and I can say the truth, yes. I can even take the Bible,” he told senators.
Turning to Senate Speaker Veronica Maina, Bii then made an unusual plea: “May I request, Honourable Speaker, if you can allow me to say in vernacular, I can give my people advice. Because raising a Bible in front of these senators and saying something which is not good, you cannot stay longer.” His request triggered laughter across the chamber, but the Speaker reminded him of House rules.
“I encourage you to speak in the parliamentary language because you represent the great people of your ward,” she said. “I am sure business in Kericho County is transacted either in Kiswahili or in English. We don’t have an official translator right now.” Bii persisted, arguing that younger leaders might benefit from his counsel in a familiar language.
Kigen suggested he switch to Kiswahili instead, yet the Speaker pressed for a quick decision, noting the limited time. “Kindly proceed in the parliamentary language of your choice, either Kiswahili or English.
For now, because of time, would you like to use Kiswahili?” she asked. With another ripple of laughter, the MCA finally relented: “May I use English?” The trial, which opened on Wednesday, is expected to conclude later today when the Senate will decide whether the county assembly met the constitutional threshold for impeachment.
Governor Mutai has compared his political troubles to classic tales of betrayal and revenge, while witnesses such as Bii continue to provide moments of comic relief amid the serious accusations facing the county leadership.
