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Lawmakers from the Mt. Kenya region are urging President William Ruto to step in regarding the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, asserting that his approval is essential for the process.
These leaders, led by Muranga Senator Joe Nyutu, are committed to rejecting the impeachment motion and are advocating for internal conflict resolution.
They argue that the involvement of allies of Azimio leader Raila Odinga in the Kenya Kwanza government has contributed to Gachagua’s predicament.
“If they vote to impeach the Deputy President, then ODM won’t be able to deny that they were brought into government to remove Gachagua. We believe this broad-based government was intended to marginalize him,” Nyutu stated.
The Murang’a Senator warned that if the impeachment motion passes, it could create a rift between President Ruto and the Mt. Kenya electorate.
“Removing Gachagua is equivalent to alienating all of Mt. Kenya. We believe dialogue is essential to resolve their differences,” he added.
Maragua MP Mary Wamaua described it as unfortunate that Gachagua is facing impeachment for his strong advocacy for Mt. Kenya unity, calling for a thoughtful approach to the special motion.
“If the Deputy President is being targeted for promoting unity in the region, history will eventually vindicate him. They fear a united Mt. Kenya,” she commented.
Senator Nyutu contrasted President Ruto’s current situation with his previous relationship with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, stating that such tensions should not be resolved through impeachment.
“We see no irreconcilable actions from the Deputy President. Former President Uhuru never initiated similar proceedings against Ruto through the MPs,” he remarked.
The leaders emphasized that the ongoing impeachment discussions are primarily internal party issues between Gachagua and UDA MPs, which should be handled through internal mechanisms.
“He will be condemned without a fair hearing. Therefore, we implore our fellow MPs to allow dispute resolution mechanisms to work,” said Kigumo MP Joseph Kamau.
An impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has officially been submitted in Parliament, marking the start of the impeachment process.
Introduced by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, the motion cites over 10 violations, including constitutional breaches, corruption, and incitement.
Mutuse presented the names of 291 MPs supporting the motion, exceeding the required 117 signatures to meet the constitutional threshold. Speaker Moses Wetangula confirmed that the motion fulfilled all necessary criteria to proceed.
“I want to clarify to this House and to Kenyans that I hold no malice or personal vendetta against the Deputy President. I am simply performing my duty as a citizen and MP,” Mutuse stated during the session.
The motion, set for debate in the National Assembly, outlines nine charges against Gachagua, including severe constitutional violations, promoting ethnic discrimination, and undermining national unity through divisive statements.
Gachagua is also accused of contradicting government policies and failing to fulfill his responsibilities as Deputy President, especially regarding collective Cabinet accountability.
Mutuse defended his actions, stating he has nine witnesses ready to support each allegation. “If citizens are unable to receive services due to Gachagua’s actions, we believe it’s necessary to remove him for the benefit of Kenyans,” he asserted.
Alongside constitutional violations, the motion charges Gachagua with corruption, money laundering, and abuse of office, violating anti-corruption laws. “Engaging in corruption and money laundering while in office erodes public trust and violates the law,” Mutuse stated.
