Kericho MCA Hillary Kibet denies bribery claims, says he survives on business and wife’s support
By Cy Muganda, August 29, 2025Kericho MCA Hillary Kibet has dismissed allegations that he took bribes during the impeachment proceedings against Governor Erick Mutai, insisting that he has never accepted money to influence his decisions.
Speaking on Friday, August 29, 2025, during the Senate impeachment hearing of Governor Mutai, Kibet defended himself after being pressed on his integrity and financial situation.
“I would never have taken any bribe. If I were a person who accepts bribes, I would have accepted previous offers,” Kibet said.
The MCA revealed the challenging personal circumstances he has faced since taking a stand supporting the Governor, including his removal from the influential Finance Committee chair position.
“For the past year, since the Governor’s impeachment, I was removed from the Chair of Finance, and I currently have no responsibilities,” Kibet explained.
Personal income and support
Kibet described how he has managed to survive financially despite losing his leadership role in the assembly, informing the Senate that he sustains himself through his own business and the support of his wife.
“However, I am surviving through my own business, and I am fortunate that my wife is also working. So if I was to take the bribe, it was this time. But I don’t take bribes,” he added.
His comments were a response to a probing question from Bungoma Senator Wakoli Wafula, who challenged Kibet to clarify his position on corruption practices during the impeachment process of Governor Mutai
“We hope you have intensified the fight against corruption. If we investigate and find that you have eaten ugali and taken the position of a bat, which is neither a bird nor an animal, are you ready to carry your cross? Because we will not allow Christ to be crucified and leave Barnabas for us,” Wafula remarked.
Rigging claims
Speaking during the same session, Kibet explained that he did not participate in the electronic voting on August 15, 2025, at the Kericho County Assembly, despite his name appearing among those who voted to impeach Governor Mutai.
“I abstained. I never voted. I did not touch any button,” he said.
When cross-examined by Governor Mutai’s lawyer, Katwa Kigen, Kibet maintained that he was incorrectly listed as having voted “Yes.”
“No, not at all. I abstained. I never voted. I completely didn’t touch any button,” he firmly stated, emphasising that his position remained consistent and was documented in both of his affidavits filed with the Senate.
He further testified that, together with 17 other MCAs, he had objected to the use of electronic voting and even stood up during discussions to demand an alternative process, but their protests were ignored.
“The motion mover, Honourable Rogony, called me the following day and said he had voted on my behalf and that I just needed to sign an affidavit confirming I voted yes,” Kibet told the Senate.