The current political scenario in Kenya has taken a tense turn with mounting calls for the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. As a majority of Members of Parliament (MPs) rallied behind the motion to oust the Deputy President, the country is experiencing escalating political tensions. Against this backdrop, the Mau Mau Original Trust organization in Narok County, alongside church leaders and civic groups, has opted for dialogue over division. They have called upon President William Ruto to intervene and mediate the standoff, underscoring the potential risk to national unity, development, and political stability if the impeachment proceeds. The call for calm resonates not just in Narok, but throughout Kenya, as many citizens and leaders recognize the delicate balance between political accountability and maintaining the peace necessary for progress.
On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Kenya witnessed a significant political development. Out of the 345 Members of Parliament, 291 signed in support of a motion to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. This overwhelming majority indicates deep-seated frustrations within the political landscape, a situation that the Mau Mau Original Trust organization is keenly observing.
Several political analysts argue that the motion stems from accusations of governance failures, internal conflicts within the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration, and rising public dissatisfaction with the Deputy President’s leadership. Critics allege that Gachagua’s divisive rhetoric, perceived disloyalty to President Ruto, and unfulfilled promises to low-income earners have intensified the push for his ouster. His supporters, however, view these accusations as politically motivated and argue that he has been a steadfast advocate for the marginalized.
The friction between Gachagua and a section of the National Assembly has been brewing for months, culminating in a significant number of MPs supporting the impeachment motion. According to Daniel Kamau, chairman of the Mau Mau Original Trust, the move to oust Gachagua has raised concerns about the stability of the government and the future of ongoing development programs.
In a press conference held shortly after the MPs filed their signatures, Kamau expressed his concerns about the possible fallout from the impeachment motion. He urged President Ruto to personally mediate the growing tensions between his deputy and the National Assembly, advocating for private, behind-closed-doors negotiations rather than an open political battle.
“We believe in the leadership of President Ruto and Deputy President Gachagua. The Kenya Kwanza administration has laid out a clear vision for this country, especially for the low-income earners,” Kamau stated. “An impeachment at this point would disrupt the focus on development and push the country into a period of political instability.”
The organization, which represents former freedom fighters from the Mau Mau liberation movement, has deep roots in Kenya’s history of political struggle. Their message to the leadership is informed by their commitment to national unity and peace. For Kamau and many others in Narok, impeaching the Deputy President could revive divisive politics and further entrench a culture of intolerance.
Church Leaders Echo the Call for Resolution
Alongside the Mau Mau Original Trust, church leaders in Narok, led by Reverend Fred Lemama, have added their voices to the chorus calling for calm and dialogue. Reverend Lemama, during a sermon on Sunday, reflected on the historical role of the church in fostering peace and reconciliation during times of political turbulence. He noted that while the grievances against Gachagua may be valid, the means of addressing them must prioritize the well-being of the nation.
“We have seen many government projects being launched for construction by top government officials. However, we are worried that their implementation may be disrupted if the political temperature is high,” Lemama said. He emphasized that political stability is critical for the continuation of national development programs, warning that a high-stakes impeachment could send the country into a premature election cycle, with politicians focused more on the 2027 election campaign than on fulfilling their current mandates.
Lemama called on the National Assembly to reconsider its approach to the issues raised against Gachagua. He proposed that instead of impeachment, the Parliament should explore alternative mechanisms of resolving the crisis, such as censure motions, mediation, or structured dialogue between the two factions.
The Impact of an Impeachment: Development vs. Politics
One of the central arguments put forward by both the Mau Mau Original Trust and the religious leaders revolves around the potential disruption of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s development agenda. According to Kamau, the country is at a critical juncture, where political stability is crucial to ensure the completion of key infrastructure and social programs initiated by the government.
Since President Ruto and Deputy President Gachagua took office, they have focused on delivering on their promise of transforming the economy, particularly for low-income earners. Key programs include affordable housing, health care reforms, and agricultural subsidies, which are aimed at easing the burden of the rising cost of living on ordinary Kenyans. An impeachment at this point, according to Kamau, would halt these projects and place the focus squarely on political maneuvering rather than national development.
Many citizens share these concerns, with public sentiment increasingly wary of the ongoing political drama. For many Kenyans, the priority remains economic stability and progress. They fear that an impeachment would reorient political priorities toward power struggles rather than the implementation of policies designed to alleviate their hardships.
In their plea for patience, both Kamau and Reverend Lemama invoked Kenya’s historical experience with political transitions. The Mau Mau group, in particular, draws from its experience during Kenya’s struggle for independence, where dialogue and strategic patience were instrumental in achieving lasting peace. They argue that the current situation, while politically charged, can be resolved through similar means.
Reverend Lemama, on his part, noted that the 2027 general elections are fast approaching, offering a natural solution to the current political crisis. He observed that if Gachagua is genuinely failing in his duties, the electorate will have the opportunity to make their voice heard through the ballot box, rather than resorting to impeachment.
“Let the people decide when the time comes. Impeaching the Deputy President now will only cause more division. Let us focus on development and vote for change in 2027 if need be,” he said.
Public Participation: A New Approach to Political Accountability
As the impeachment process gains traction, the National Assembly has initiated a public participation forum across Kenya’s 47 counties. This platform allows members of the public to submit their views on the impeachment motion, with submissions expected by October 5, 2024. The decision to involve the public in the process is seen as an attempt to ensure transparency and allow ordinary citizens to have a say in the fate of the country’s second-highest office.
For Kamau and the Mau Mau group, public participation offers an important opportunity for dialogue. They have called upon citizens to engage with the process thoughtfully, emphasizing that political decisions made in haste or under pressure could have long-term consequences for the nation.
“This is a time for reflection, not reaction. Let the people voice their concerns, but let the decision be made with the country’s best interests in mind,” Kamau urged.
Conclusion: The Way Forward
As Kenya stands at this crossroads, the calls for dialogue and peace are growing louder. The push for Deputy President Gachagua’s impeachment may reflect deeper political and social divisions within the country, but the voices from Narok remind us that the best way forward is often the one that avoids confrontation. The Mau Mau Original Trust and church leaders are advocating for a path of reconciliation, unity, and development, urging the nation’s leadership to prioritize the common good.
With public participation forums set to gather feedback on the impeachment motion, Kenyans now have the opportunity to influence the course of events. Whether through dialogue, patience, or peaceful resolution, the hope is that Kenya’s leaders will choose a path that ensures stability and prosperity for all.
