Rarieda Member of Parliament Otiende Amollo has launched a scathing attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of fueling ethnic division and warning of a parliamentary motion that could permanently ban him from holding public office.
Amollo’s remarks came during a funds drive in Rongo, Migori County, on Sunday, where he condemned Gachagua’s recent comments on post-election violence, which have sparked outrage among political leaders.
Amollo referenced Gachagua’s 2024 impeachment, which removed him from office but stopped short of barring him from future public roles.
“Every day you speak, we realize you never learnt your lesson. We impeached you under Article 75 of the Constitution, but we didn’t go far enough,” Amollo declared.
“If you continue with this divisive language, we will return with a special motion under Article 75(3), which declares that anyone removed from office under this provision can never hold public office again. Do not think there are no consequences,” he warned.
Article 75 of Kenya’s Constitution outlines the ethical conduct expected of state officers and provides for their removal for gross misconduct. Subsection (3) imposes a lifetime ban from public office for those ousted under its provisions.
Gachagua is facing fierce criticism over statements made in a May YouTube interview, where he appeared to allude to a possible repeat of the 2007/08 post-election chaos.
“With the mood in the country… there will be no country here. If the IEBC tries to mess with the elections, 2007 will look like a Christmas party,” Gachagua said.
Though he later claimed he was cautioning against electoral malpractice, his remarks have been widely condemned as inflammatory.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has labeled his comments “inciteful and deeply insensitive,” vowing to take action against hate speech by high-profile leaders.
Gachagua was impeached in October 2024 following Senate findings of gross misconduct, including abuse of office, ethnic incitement, and violations of constitutional leadership principles.
While the Senate voted to remove him from office, the motion did not secure the additional penalty of disqualifying him from future public service—a possibility Amollo now threatens to revisit.
Political analysts warn that Gachagua’s latest remarks risk further polarizing the nation, even as pressure mounts for legal consequences.
