Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, along with National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, have criticized Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Monday night interview, calling it a ploy to gain public sympathy ahead of his impending impeachment vote.
Duale, in a statement on X, described Gachagua’s remarks as “falsehoods presented as a defense” and accused him of attempting to mislead the public.
“We heard the Deputy President publicly lay out his case, clearly in anticipation of Tuesday’s National Assembly debate and vote on the impeachment motion,” Duale remarked.
“Anyone who reviewed the Special Motion and evidence presented in Parliament last week would see that the interview was merely a tactic to attract sympathy, stir emotions, and play to the public gallery.”
Duale further criticized Gachagua for claiming he was elected by over seven million Kenyans, stating that he was chosen as President William Ruto’s running mate and should respect the authority that nominated him.
Ichung’wah echoed Duale’s sentiments, describing the DP’s press conference as a “futile attempt at garnering public sympathy.”
He argued that Gachagua was “appealing to the court of public opinion and the media rather than addressing the substantive issues outlined in the impeachment grounds.”
Speaking on NTV shortly after Gachagua’s address, Ichung’wah said,
“He has tried to evoke sympathy by referencing his late brother and calling for forgiveness, but MPs will remain focused on their constitutional duties.”
Gachagua’s two-hour address came days after a motion, presented by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, was filed in Parliament, accusing him of inciting hatred, undermining the President and Cabinet, bullying, gross misconduct, and corruption.
Responding to these charges, Gachagua maintained his innocence, dismissing the accusations as fabrications and declaring his commitment to fighting the motion.
“I am innocent of these allegations.
There is no violation of the constitution, no gross misconduct,” he said, vowing to continue serving as Deputy President.
He also rejected calls for his resignation, stating, “I was elected by 7.2 million Kenyans; I will not resign without public participation.”
As the debate approaches, Ichung’wah emphasized that the motion’s ouster grounds are credible and that MPs would consider the case with an unbiased perspective.
“Despite Gachagua’s attempts, we will look at the motion objectively,” he said, adding that the Deputy President’s actions would not deter the National Assembly from fulfilling its responsibilities.
Speaker Wetang’ula Urges MPs To Recognize The Gravity Of The Impeachment Motion Against DP Gachagua
