Residents of Kirinyaga County took to the streets of Kagio town on Wednesday, calling on the Senate to reject the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The angry demonstrators blocked the Kutus-Sagana Highway as the Deputy President faced the Senate during the impeachment hearing.
With a crowd exceeding 1,000, the residents expressed their unwavering support for Gachagua. They also called upon their senator, James Murango, to vote against the impeachment.
“Gachagua and President William Ruto were here in 2022 asking for our support. Why turn against Gachagua now?” questioned Stephen Kariuki, one of the protestors.
The demonstration followed a separate event where a group of women from Kirinyaga urged President Ruto to consider Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru as the next Deputy President if Gachagua is removed.
During a gathering in Kutus town, women leaders from all 20 wards of the county endorsed Waiguru, arguing that it was time for Kenya to have a female Deputy President, with Waiguru as the ideal choice.
They reminded President Ruto of his promise to have a female running mate in the future and urged him to ensure the position remains in the Mount Kenya region, but this time, for a woman.
“As loyal supporters from the Mountain and Kirinyaga, we backed President Ruto in 2022. If the chance arises, we ask that he rewards our support by appointing Waiguru as Deputy President,” said Mary Nyawira, one of the leaders.
Since the start of the impeachment proceedings, there has been growing momentum from women across the country, particularly in the Mountain region, calling for a female Deputy President to replace Gachagua should the motion succeed.
