Last-Minute Efforts by Gachagua Allies to Avert Impeachment
Last-Minute Efforts by Gachagua Allies to Avert Impeachment

Lawmakers from the Mt. Kenya region are making a last-minute push to save Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from imminent impeachment proceedings.

The leaders have urgently called upon President William Ruto to intervene, asserting that the impeachment motion cannot be resolved without his direct involvement.

Led by Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, the group expressed their discontent with the ongoing motion against Gachagua, advocating for internal dispute resolution instead.

They believe the inclusion of allies of Azimio leader Raila Odinga in the Kenya Kwanza government has contributed to Gachagua’s current troubles.

“If they vote to impeach the Deputy President, then ODM will not convince anyone that they were not brought into government to kick out Gachagua. We believe the broad-based government was meant to sideline him,” Nyutu stated.

The senator cautioned that a successful impeachment would create a significant rift between President Ruto and the Mt. Kenya electorate.

“Divorcing Gachagua is divorcing the whole Mount Kenya. We believe that they should embrace dialogue to iron out the differences between them,” he emphasized.

Maragua MP Mary Wamaua also weighed in, calling it unfortunate that Gachagua’s strong advocacy for Mt. Kenya unity is being weaponized against him.

“If the Deputy President is being hanged through the impeachment motion for advocating for the unity of the mountain, one day history will fight for itself. We know they fear when the mountain is united,” she remarked.

Senator Nyutu further highlighted the contrast between the current situation and President Ruto’s relationship with former President Uhuru Kenyatta. He asserted that past differences should not be resolved through impeachment motions.

“We can’t see anything that the Deputy President has done that’s irreconcilable. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta never initiated such proceedings against Ruto through the MPs,” he noted.

The leaders argue that the impeachment debate stems from internal party disagreements, primarily involving UDA MPs, and should be addressed through established internal dispute mechanisms.

“He will be condemned unheard. It’s on that basis that we are seeking and beseeching our fellow MPs to give dispute resolution mechanisms a chance,” said Kigumo MP Joseph Kamau.

The impeachment motion against Gachagua has been formally tabled in Parliament by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, who alleges over ten violations, including breaches of the constitution, corruption, and incitement.

Mutuse presented a list of 291 MPs supporting the motion, surpassing the 117 signatures needed to meet the constitutional threshold.

Speaker Moses Wetangula confirmed that the motion fulfilled all necessary criteria for proceeding.

“I want to make it clear to this House and to Kenyans that I have no malice, no ill will, and no personal vendetta against the Deputy President. I am simply fulfilling my duty as a citizen and Member of Parliament,” Mutuse stated during the session.

The motion, set for debate in the National Assembly, details nine charges against Gachagua, including gross constitutional violations, promoting ethnic discrimination, and undermining national unity with divisive statements. He is also accused of failing to uphold his responsibilities as Deputy President, particularly regarding collective Cabinet duties.

Mutuse defended his decision, claiming he has nine witnesses ready to substantiate each accusation. “If the people can’t receive services because of Gachagua, we believe it’s necessary to remove him for the sake of Kenyans,” he asserted.

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