Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ has weighed in on the ongoing speculation about the potential impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, asserting that such a move would be politically unwise and could inadvertently bolster Gachagua’s standing as a controversial figure. Speaking on Citizen TV’s Daybreak show, Kajwang’ criticized the idea of removing Gachagua from office, suggesting it would only serve to enhance his prominence and reinforce his divisive tribal politics.
Kajwang’ emphasized that impeaching Gachagua would not resolve the underlying political tensions but rather elevate Gachagua’s status among his supporters, portraying him as a victim of a politically motivated plot. “Is it a smart political move? In my view, no, because it’s going to create a hero out of a tribal chauvinist,” Kajwang’ remarked. He argues that such a move would be counterproductive, giving Gachagua a platform to gain more support from his base and potentially escalate the tribal and political rifts that have characterized his tenure.
On the other hand, Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku has noted that while there are discussions about the impeachment of Gachagua, no formal motion has been filed before the National Assembly. Ruku characterized the rumors about the impeachment as unsubstantiated and urged caution. “That is all rumors up to now. There is a process laid down under the constitution and our standing orders, and I have not seen such a process at the moment. Those are street rumors and we do not need to discuss that,” Ruku stated. His comments underscore the need for formal procedures to be followed before any serious discussions about impeachment can take place.
Speculation regarding Gachagua’s potential removal from office has been fueled by reports suggesting that some political factions are plotting to impeach him on the grounds of undermining the presidency. These reports highlight the ongoing tensions within the Kenyan political landscape and reflect broader dissatisfaction with Gachagua’s approach to his role as Deputy President.
Despite the mounting pressure, Gachagua has remained defiant and unperturbed by the political storms surrounding him. In a recent roundtable interview with media outlets from the Mt. Kenya region, Gachagua expressed his readiness to accept the outcome if the decision to remove him is ultimately made. “I did not give myself this position. I was elected by the people and things can never be the way they were in the previous government. I cannot live on my own unless they chase me. I would just take my property here (Karen residence) and take it back home,” Gachagua said, underscoring his belief in his constitutional mandate and his willingness to leave office if necessary.
The debate over Gachagua’s potential impeachment reveals deep-seated divisions within Kenya’s political sphere. While some view his removal as a necessary step to address perceived issues, others, like Senator Kajwang’, caution that such a move might only serve to further polarize the political environment. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the political landscape will shift and whether calls for impeachment will materialize into concrete actions or remain a subject of political speculation.
