Mixed Reactions as Gachagua Impeachment Hearings Spark Debate Nationwide

Public participation hearings for the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have been taking place across all 290 constituencies in Kenya, leading to mixed reactions from citizens. 

The hearings, held on Friday, gave people an opportunity to share their views on the motion, but the responses varied greatly, with some calling for the removal of the entire presidency.

In Nairobi, many participants at the Bomas of Kenya expressed that Gachagua should not be the only one held responsible for the country's challenges.

A section of the attendees argued that President William Ruto must also step down alongside Gachagua.

“The President must go, too,” stated one of the residents during the hearing, emphasizing that both leaders were elected together, and it would be unfair to impeach Gachagua alone.

Others echoed similar sentiments, stating that the country’s problems were a result of the entire presidency, not just the deputy president. “We elected them together, and so they should both go home,” added another participant.

On the other hand, in Gachagua’s home region of Nyeri County, the mood was different. Residents there strongly opposed the impeachment process, taking to the streets in protest.

Bonfires were lit as locals voiced their anger, labeling the attempt to remove Gachagua as politically motivated.

Many in Nyeri believe that the push to impeach him is a deliberate effort to undermine their leader, and they remain determined not to betray one of their own. They see the move as misguided and insist that the accusations against Gachagua are exaggerated.

The impeachment motion, which was introduced by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, lists 10 accusations against Gachagua, including corruption, incitement, and violating the constitution.

Despite the mixed views from the public, the motion has gained significant support in parliament. Mutuse has secured the backing of 291 MPs, surpassing the minimum requirement of 117 signatures needed to start the impeachment process.

While some Kenyans feel that both Gachagua and President Ruto should leave office, others, especially in Gachagua's home county, are rallying behind him and rejecting the calls for his removal. 

The outcome of the impeachment motion is now in the hands of Parliament, where the process will proceed based on the accusations laid out against the deputy president.