Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has publicly criticized the recent impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, describing the process as politically motivated and illegitimate. Kalonzo’s remarks come at a time when Kenya is facing increasing political tensions, fueled by public dissatisfaction and widespread protests. His defense of Gachagua highlights growing concerns over the integrity of the current National Assembly, which Kalonzo claims has lost its moral standing in the eyes of many Kenyans, especially after the controversial Finance Bill of 2024 and the subsequent nationwide protests.
The Impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua
The National Assembly’s decision to impeach Deputy President Gachagua was swift and decisive, with 281 MPs voting in favor of the motion. Gachagua’s impeachment comes on the back of several allegations, including gross misconduct and violations of the Kenyan constitution. The charges against the Deputy President were serious and diverse, encompassing accusations of mismanagement of public resources, abuse of office, and failure to fulfill constitutional duties.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, the process has not been without its detractors. Kalonzo Musyoka is one of the most prominent voices questioning the legitimacy of the impeachment, claiming that the executive used Parliament as a tool to target Gachagua. According to Kalonzo, the speed and manner in which the National Assembly acted are indicative of a larger agenda at play, with Gachagua being made a scapegoat for the government’s own shortcomings.
Kalonzo’s Stance: A Defiant Defense of Gachagua
In his address, Kalonzo expressed his surprise at the manner in which the Deputy President’s impeachment was carried out. “I was impressed by the 44 MPs who refused to be used and stood firm for the truth,” Kalonzo said, praising those who opposed the motion. His admiration for the minority that stood against Gachagua’s impeachment reflects a broader disillusionment with the state of Kenya’s political affairs, particularly with the current composition of the National Assembly.
Kalonzo went further, expressing his respect for Gachagua’s defense presentation during the impeachment process. He remarked that Gachagua had eloquently defended himself against the accusations, presenting his case in a manner that was convincing to those who were willing to listen. Kalonzo’s remarks suggest that, in his view, the process was more about political optics than seeking genuine accountability.
The June 26 Gen Z Protests: A Turning Point?
One of the most striking elements of Kalonzo’s argument was his claim that the current National Assembly lacks moral authority due to its actions during the Finance Bill 2024 debacle. On June 26, the so-called “Gen Z protests” rocked the nation as young Kenyans took to the streets to express their outrage over the passage of the controversial Finance Bill, which they saw as exacerbating the economic hardship faced by ordinary citizens.
In what became a tragic and defining moment, youthful protesters stormed Parliament buildings after MPs defied public sentiment and voted in favor of the Bill. The demonstrations were met with a heavy-handed response from law enforcement, resulting in several deaths, including protesters who were shot dead outside the Parliament building.
For Kalonzo and many other critics, this event served as a symbolic “impeachment” of the National Assembly itself. By ignoring the clear opposition of the public and passing the Finance Bill, MPs had, in Kalonzo’s view, effectively lost the trust of the Kenyan people. “Some of us hold the view that this Parliament was impeached by the Kenyan people on June 26, so they lack the moral authority to adjudicate on such matters of national importance,” he said.
The Senate and Judiciary: Gachagua’s Last Hope
Although the National Assembly has passed its judgment on Gachagua, the Deputy President’s fate is far from sealed. The impeachment motion now moves to the Senate, where it will be deliberated further. In addition, the judiciary will also play a critical role in determining whether Gachagua is guilty of the charges leveled against him.
For Gachagua, the Senate offers a glimmer of hope, as some political analysts believe that the upper house may take a more measured approach to the impeachment. While the National Assembly is seen by some as being more susceptible to executive influence, the Senate may present a more independent perspective. Furthermore, the judicial process will provide Gachagua with an opportunity to defend himself against the accusations in a legal forum, free from the political maneuvering that has characterized much of the impeachment process thus far.
Political Ramifications for Kenya Kwanza
Kalonzo’s critique of the impeachment process also serves as an implicit indictment of the Kenya Kwanza administration. According to Kalonzo, the government’s use of Gachagua as a “smokescreen” to distract from its own failings has only deepened the political crisis. By targeting Gachagua, Kalonzo suggests, the administration is attempting to deflect attention from its own policy missteps and governance issues, such as the mishandling of the Finance Bill and the growing discontent among Kenya’s youth.
The impeachment has thus become a proxy battle over the direction of the Kenya Kwanza government and its ability to navigate Kenya’s complex political landscape. The question remains whether the removal of Gachagua will lead to a more unified administration or if it will expose deeper fractures within the ruling coalition.
A Reflection of Broader Discontent
Kalonzo’s strong stance against the impeachment reflects a broader sense of discontent that has been simmering in Kenya for months. The June 26 protests were a powerful expression of public frustration, particularly among young people who feel that their voices are being ignored by those in power. The political fallout from these protests continues to reverberate across the country, with many questioning the legitimacy of key institutions, including Parliament itself.
The impeachment of Gachagua, while ostensibly about specific allegations, has become intertwined with these larger issues of governance, accountability, and public trust. As Kalonzo aptly noted, the legitimacy of the current National Assembly is under intense scrutiny, and its actions—whether in impeaching the Deputy President or passing unpopular legislation—are increasingly being viewed through the lens of public dissatisfaction.
Conclusion: A Moment of Political Uncertainty
As the country waits to see how the Senate and judiciary will handle Gachagua’s impeachment, it is clear that the political landscape in Kenya is becoming increasingly uncertain. Kalonzo’s criticism of the impeachment process highlights the deep divisions within the country’s political elite, as well as the growing disconnect between elected leaders and the public.
Whether Gachagua ultimately survives this impeachment process or not, the events surrounding his removal from office have exposed underlying tensions that are unlikely to disappear anytime soon. For Kalonzo and his supporters, the current National Assembly’s actions are symptomatic of a larger crisis of legitimacy that could have far-reaching implications for Kenya’s political future.
