Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga has given former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua a 48-hour ultimatum to retract allegations that he was bribed with Ksh.10 million to vote against him during his impeachment trial at the Senate.
Through his lawyer Wycliff Nyabuto, Wamatinga dismissed the claims as defamatory and damaging to his reputation. The senator argues that Gachagua’s remarks, allegedly made on March 2 in Machakos, have been widely disseminated through mainstream and social media, further amplifying their negative impact.
“The distribution of the defamatory material against our client has, and continues to, extend beyond Kenya due to your significant online following,” read the demand letter issued by Wamatinga’s legal team.
The senator contends that Gachagua’s statement portrays him as corrupt and politically compromised, causing him extreme embarrassment and harm. He maintains that he was neither approached nor offered money to vote against Gachagua.
“Our client takes issue with your defamatory statements and vehemently denies ever being bribed to vote against you during the Senate impeachment trial,” the letter states.
According to Wamatinga, Gachagua allegedly claimed, “Senator wa kwangu alipewa 10 million shillings akaniuza, hawa wenu ndio walinifunika uchi from Ukambani.” These remarks, Wamatinga asserts, question his political integrity and ability to perform his duties effectively.
The senator has warned that should Gachagua fail to issue a public apology by the close of business on March 9, legal action will be taken immediately.
“Take note that if we do not receive compliance in terms of this demand notice by the close of business on March 9, our instructions are to move to court to protect our client’s interests without any further notice or reference,” said Nyabuto.
This development highlights ongoing tensions within Kenya’s political landscape as allegations and counter-allegations continue to shape the discourse. It remains to be seen whether Gachagua will issue an apology or if this matter will escalate into a legal battle.
