Lawmakers from the Mt. Kenya region are calling on President William Ruto to step in regarding the ongoing impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, asserting that the situation cannot be resolved without his support.
The leaders, led by Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, expressed their intent to reject the motion and emphasized the need for internal dispute resolution.
Nyutu criticized the involvement of allies of Azimio leader Raila Odinga in the Kenya Kwanza administration, claiming it has contributed to Gachagua’s challenges.
“If they vote to impeach the Deputy President, ODM will not be able to convince anyone that they were not brought into government to remove Gachagua.
The broad-based government seems intended to sideline him,” he said.
The senator warned that if the impeachment motion succeeds, it could create a rift between President Ruto and the Mt. Kenya electorate.
“Divorcing Gachagua is divorcing the entire Mount Kenya region.
We urge them to engage in dialogue to resolve their differences,” he added.
Maragua MP Mary Wamaua described Gachagua’s potential ouster as unfortunate, particularly for his strong advocacy for unity within Mt. Kenya.
“If the Deputy President is being targeted for promoting our unity, history will eventually vindicate him. They fear a united mountain,” she asserted.
Senator Nyutu also reflected on the strained relationship between President Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, asserting that such tensions should not be resolved through impeachment.
“We can’t see any actions by the Deputy President that warrant such extreme measures. Uhuru never initiated impeachment proceedings against Ruto,” he stated.
The lawmakers noted that the ongoing impeachment discussions primarily involve internal party issues between Gachagua and UDA MPs, which could be addressed through internal mechanisms.
Kigumo MP Joseph Kamau emphasized the need for a fair hearing, stating, “He will be condemned unheard.
That’s why we are calling for a dispute resolution mechanism.”
The formal impeachment motion against Gachagua, introduced by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, cites over ten violations, including constitutional breaches, corruption, and incitement.
Mutuse presented 291 MPs’ signatures in support, exceeding the necessary 117 to meet constitutional requirements.
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula confirmed the motion’s compliance with all necessary criteria.
“I have no malice or 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, which is set for debate in the National Assembly, outlines several charges against Gachagua, including gross constitutional violations, promoting ethnic discrimination, and failing to uphold collective Cabinet responsibility.
Mutuse also asserted he has nine witnesses prepared to testify regarding the accusations, stating, “If the people can’t receive services because of Gachagua, it’s necessary to remove him for the sake of Kenyans.”
In addition to constitutional issues, the motion accuses Gachagua of corruption, money laundering, and abuse of office, highlighting concerns over public trust and legal compliance.
National Assembly Speaker Confirms Impeachment Motion Against Deputy President Gachagua
