A section of MPs broke ranks with majority of their colleagues to oppose the Special Motion proposing the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
During a debate in the House on Tuesday, some MPs advocated for a reconciliation between Gachagua and President William Ruto, while other dismissed the charges facing him as unfounded.
MPs Hon John Kaguchia (Mukurweini) and Edith Nyenze (Kitui West)stated that the differences between the two leaders do not justify impeachment and emphasized the importance of dialogue.
“I am of the opinion that when we have our two senior most gentlemen in this Republic having this kind of a disagreement or an issue that is a misunderstanding, we should seek the way of reconciliation,” he said.
He added, “The way I see us doing now, we are looking at the issues of removal, yet we are not pursuing a very important goal in this and that is reconciliation.”
Hon Nyenze (Kitui West) echoed similar sentiments, noting, “In this matter, we should give reconciliation and dialogue a chance. If President Ruto reconciled with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, then nothing prevents him from doing the same with his deputy, for the sake of peace in this country.”
Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba (Githunguri) and Hon. Onesmus Ngogoyo (Kajiado North) contended that the charges against the Deputy President lack substance, arguing that impeachment would amount to mob justice.
“It is my feeling that the allegations facing the Deputy President are mere mudslinging, hearsay, and gossip. DP Gachagua should be given a chance to continue serving Kenyans,” Hon Wamuchomba stated.
Hon Ngogoyo further explained that the existence of 21 companies mentioned in the impeachment motion should not be misinterpreted as an indication of the Deputy President’s intention to launder money.
“I say no to that impeachment,” he stated.
Hon. Makali Mulu (Kitui Central) cautioned the House against acting contrary to public sentiment regarding the impeachment.
“In the past, this House has been thrown under the bus because of this kind of mentality. We have made decisions that have been challenged by other institutions. As a House, we must isolate personal issues from those that make sense to Kenyans,” he explained.
