Parliament Road remains closed as police maintain a strong presence around the Parliament Buildings in anticipation of a heated impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Helicopters circle overhead, and officers have cordoned off critical areas in the capital to prevent potential chaos amid rising concerns over related protests.
On Tuesday morning, Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) was heavily policed, with significant restrictions on all routes leading to and from Parliament.
Officers stationed along these paths have been screening and interrogating individuals before allowing passage, fostering an atmosphere of heightened vigilance.
Security measures extend beyond Parliament, with officers positioned at key strategic points throughout the city.
Tensions have escalated in Nairobi since activist Morara Kebaso‘s arrest on Monday, fueled by fears of unrest following a recent breach of Parliament where protesters overwhelmed security, leaving MPs scrambling for safety.
With Parliament Road sealed off and law enforcement on high alert, attention is now on how the impeachment process will unfold.
In Gachagua’s hometown of Karatina, the situation is similarly tense, with intensified police patrols in anticipation of both pro-Gachagua and anti-government demonstrations. Security agencies are preparing for various outcomes as emotions run high.
An officer involved in the deployment indicated the government is taking no chances due to recent political developments.
Last evening, youth gathered at X Space to criticize President William Ruto’s administration, warning of potential street protests if the government continues its alleged human rights violations.
Supporters of detained activist Kebaso have demanded his immediate release, threatening to protest if their demands are ignored.
This growing tension coincides with the impending impeachment motion against Gachagua, prompting authorities to enhance security across the city.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula is expected to notify Parliament of the impeachment motion against Gachagua today.
However, today’s proceedings will only involve issuing the notice, with no immediate debate.
All eyes are on the MPs supporting the motion.
Despite several legal attempts to block it, the motion has gained significant momentum, with around 300 MPs reportedly signing the petition, surpassing the required 117 signatures for introduction.
Deputy Leader of Majority Owen Baya is leading the charge, with Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse set to second the motion.
Gachagua faces allegations of gross misconduct, including constitutional violations and undermining national unity.
His controversial comments suggesting that only supporters of the current regime should benefit have sparked outrage, with critics arguing that his statements contradict the constitutional mandate for equitable resource distribution.
The impeachment process requires a two-thirds majority in Parliament to pass.
The stakes are high, with the Deputy President’s political future hanging in the balance as both sides monitor MP alignments on this crucial vote.
According to the National Assembly’s Standing Orders, such a motion must be addressed within seven days of being introduced, or it will be withdrawn for the remainder of the session.
Meanwhile, Gachagua’s vocal criticism of state officials, including a High Court judge and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), has further complicated the situation, straining his relationship with key institutions.
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