According to insiders, the motion contains several charges, including constitutional violations, gross misconduct, legal breaches, and abuse of office. Despite the readiness of the motion, no Member of Parliament has officially stepped forward to table it.
The motion follows weeks of political tension and growing criticism of Gachagua's controversial remarks and actions. Among the charges against the deputy president are claims of undermining collective Cabinet responsibility, violating the Official Secrets Act, and making divisive comments about the Mount Kenya region being the primary shareholders of the Kenya Kwanza government. Additionally, Gachagua has been accused of making inflammatory statements that have allegedly promoted divisive politics within the country.
One of the critical accusations in the impeachment motion involves Gachagua’s handling of the protests against the Finance Bill 2024. Gachagua publicly blamed the National Intelligence Service (NIS) for failing to provide crucial intelligence regarding the protests, a move that was seen by some as undermining the credibility of key national institutions. This incident raised concerns about Gachagua’s commitment to the principle of collective responsibility within the government.
His controversial comments about Mount Kenya’s influence in the Kenya Kwanza administration also fueled the push for impeachment. Gachagua has often spoken about how his home region holds significant power within the government, a statement many critics view as divisive. Some members of Parliament have expressed concern that these remarks could foster ethnic tension and undermine national unity.
The impeachment motion has gained traction within Parliament, with several MPs confirming that they have signed in support of it. National Assembly Deputy Majority Leader Owen Baya noted that signature collection was ongoing and that the motion would soon be presented in the House. However, he refrained from giving specifics about the number of MPs involved or the exact charges listed in the motion.
Baya emphasized that the initiative is bipartisan, with support coming from MPs across both the ruling coalition and opposition parties. This bipartisan support indicates a growing consensus among lawmakers that Gachagua's actions warrant serious examination.
Reports also suggest that the motion could be tabled before President William Ruto returns from the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The impeachment motion is seen as a significant development in Kenya’s political landscape, particularly given the tension between Gachagua and certain factions within the government.
The impeachment process, if it proceeds, would mark a significant challenge for Gachagua. His allies within the Kenya Kwanza government have already begun pushing back against the motion, with some suggesting that the deputy president is being unfairly targeted. However, the level of support for the motion indicates that Gachagua may face an uphill battle in defending his position.
The exact number of MPs backing the motion remains unclear, and it is yet to be confirmed who will officially table it. However, the growing momentum behind the impeachment efforts suggests that Gachagua's future as deputy president is far from secure. As the situation develops, it will be critical to observe how both President Ruto and the wider political landscape react to this unprecedented challenge.
The motion’s progression could reshape the dynamics within Kenya’s political elite, potentially signaling deeper divisions within the ruling coalition. Whatever the outcome, the impeachment motion against Rigathi Gachagua is a reflection of the high-stakes political maneuvering currently playing out in Kenya.
0 Comments