By:Joseph Mutua Ndonga
This morning, Kangema MP Kihungi Wamae appeared on iNooro TV, hosted by Kamau Wa Kengethe, where he discussed the ongoing debate surrounding the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Wamae clarified that he has not signed the petition supporting the impeachment motion and has no plans to do so. He emphasized his intent to oppose the motion if it reaches the floor of Parliament, stating that the grounds cited in the motion “do not meet the thresholds of law.” He further expressed concern that impeaching the Deputy President would set a troubling precedent, as both he and President William Ruto were elected on the same ticket.
However, when prompted about the previous impeachments of county governors and deputy governors, Wamae found it challenging to reconcile his position, as those cases often targeted individuals rather than the entire executive team.
The MP also noted a lack of public support for the motion among Mount Kenya legislators, suggesting that many have become hesitant to openly back it. Currently, only Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah has signed in favor of the motion.
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Contrarily, several senators and MPs from the region have voiced their support for Gachagua’s impeachment in various public forums. They have cited serious allegations against him, including insubordination, abuse of office, and gross violations of the constitution.
Wamae argued that the narrative being pushed by Gachagua’s supporters—that President Ruto is behind the impeachment motion—is misleading. He clarified that the impeachment process is strictly a parliamentary matter, as outlined in the 2010 Constitution. The President, not being a member of Parliament, does not have a vote and cannot dictate how MPs should proceed.
However, as the leader of the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition, the President has the right to chair parliamentary group meetings, allowing MPs to discuss agenda items freely. Ultimately, the responsibility for filing the motion rests with any member who can gather at least 117 signatures, and reports suggest that around 300 members have signed in support of the motion.
For the motion to succeed, it requires a two-thirds majority, equating to 233 members. If passed by the National Assembly, the motion will also need concurrence from the Senate before any action can be taken against Deputy President Gachagua.
Joseph Mutua Ndonga is a writer and social commentator based in Nairobi.
