Amid the rising political temperatures in Kenya, a section of People with Disabilities (PWDs) has called upon President William Ruto to intervene and de-escalate the situation. This comes in the wake of intense public participation forums debating the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, which has deeply divided the nation. As the political drama unfolds, PWDs have expressed their concerns, citing the potential impact on peace, stability, and the most vulnerable members of society.
Political Unrest: The Context
The debate surrounding the removal of Deputy President Gachagua has brought the country to a crossroads, with opinions sharply divided. While some Kenyans see the process as necessary for political accountability, others view it as a politically motivated distraction from more urgent national issues. Public participation forums across the country, aimed at gathering input on the proposed impeachment, have been marred by unrest and controversy.
In some areas, citizens have resorted to destroying the participation forms, a clear signal of their dissatisfaction with the entire process. Perhaps most notably, an altercation at the Bomas of Kenya, where activist Morara Kebaso was physically attacked by goons, has highlighted the volatile nature of the situation. Such incidents have led to a growing sense of unease across the nation.
The PWD community has now voiced its concerns, arguing that the political instability could have severe repercussions for the country’s peace, security, and especially for the well-being of vulnerable populations.
PWDs’ Call for Dialogue
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Hafid Maalim, chairman of the North Eastern branch of the PWDs, emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving political disputes. According to Maalim, political division has historically resulted in instability in Kenya, with marginalized groups, including PWDs, often bearing the brunt of the consequences.
“As PWDs, we must categorically state that we are not happy at all with the happenings in our country. Our members are usually the biggest casualties whenever there is any form of instability in the country,” Maalim stated.
He further expressed concern over how quickly the situation could deteriorate into ethnic and community tensions, as has happened in the past. “We might take these things lightly, but truth be told they can easily degenerate into tension between communities, and as we are all aware, ours is a very delicate society,” Maalim cautioned. He referenced the protests led by Generation Z youth earlier in the year, which were marked by significant unrest and disruption across the country.
Public Discontent with the Impeachment Process
As the public participation forums progressed, it became increasingly clear that many Kenyans were not in favor of Deputy President Gachagua’s impeachment. Some have labeled the exercise as a political distraction at a time when the country faces pressing economic and social challenges.
Maalim echoed these sentiments, urging President Ruto to intervene and put an end to the impeachment process. He stressed the need for the President and his Deputy to reconcile for the sake of national unity. “I want to call on the president to break his silence and bring the ongoing exercise to an end by reconciling with his Deputy. Impeachment or having the DP out of office is not a priority to Kenyans,” Maalim said.
PWDs’ Priorities: Economic Stability Over Political Infighting
Another key voice from the PWD community, Adan Bille, chairman of the Garissa PWD chapter, urged the President to focus on the country’s economic transformation rather than being distracted by political infighting. He pointed out that the impeachment process, and the political discourse surrounding it, detracts from critical issues that need attention.
Bille highlighted several pressing issues that he believes are more urgent than the political drama unfolding in the country. “Let us stop these issues that, to me, are diversionary tactics from the real issues that need to be addressed. Our economy is still unstable. We have issues with the new SHA (Social Health Assistance) which Kenyans are yet to understand. There was the issue of Adani taking over the airport. But it seems the issues have taken a back seat,” he lamented.
His sentiments reflect a growing frustration among Kenyans who feel that the political elite is more focused on power struggles than on addressing the country’s economic woes. This frustration is compounded by rising costs of living, unemployment, and concerns over public health reforms that have yet to be fully explained to the population.
Religious Leaders Weigh In: Impeachment is a Distraction
In addition to the voices from the PWD community, religious leaders have also called on political leaders to reconsider the impeachment process, framing it as a distraction from more critical issues, particularly the fight against corruption. In a statement released on Thursday, they urged the government to focus its efforts on combating corruption, which they identified as a key threat to national stability and development.
“This ongoing debate is seen as a distraction from critical issues like corruption, which must be prioritized to ensure the country’s stability. We call for immediate efforts to combat corruption to restore Kenya’s national dignity and foster development,” read the statement from the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya.
The religious leaders’ call mirrors the sentiments of many ordinary Kenyans, who are increasingly weary of the political squabbles that seem to dominate the national conversation. They argue that corruption, poverty, and unemployment are the real issues that need urgent attention, and that the impeachment process serves only to divert attention from these challenges.
President Ruto’s Silence: A Strategic Move or Cause for Concern?
President William Ruto has remained notably silent on the issue of his Deputy’s potential impeachment, a stance that has led to speculation about his position on the matter. While some view his silence as a strategic move, allowing the public discourse to run its course without direct intervention, others are concerned that his lack of involvement may further escalate the political tensions.
As the debate rages on, there are increasing calls for Ruto to step in and provide leadership on the issue. Both his supporters and detractors agree that the political uncertainty surrounding the impeachment is not in the country’s best interest. Ruto’s silence has only fueled more questions about whether the impeachment process has his tacit approval, or whether he is biding his time before making a decisive move.
PWDs’ Warning: The Risks of Political Instability
For the PWD community, the stakes are particularly high. As Maalim and Bille both pointed out, PWDs often suffer disproportionately during times of political instability. In a country that has experienced post-election violence and other forms of political unrest in the past, the fear is that any escalation could lead to further marginalization of vulnerable groups.
Kenya’s history of political violence is still fresh in the minds of many, particularly the 2007-2008 post-election violence that left more than 1,000 people dead and displaced hundreds of thousands. The PWD community is particularly sensitive to such instability, given their already precarious position in society. For them, political division is not just a matter of rhetoric—it has real and potentially devastating consequences.
The Way Forward: A Call for Unity and Dialogue
As the impeachment process continues to polarize the nation, the PWDs’ call for unity and dialogue is a timely reminder of what is at stake. The country faces numerous challenges, from economic instability to public health concerns, and it is clear that political unity is essential if these issues are to be addressed effectively.
President Ruto, as the leader of the nation, has the responsibility to ensure that political differences do not undermine national stability. Whether through direct intervention or behind-the-scenes negotiations, the onus is on him to steer the country through this challenging period.
For now, the PWD community, along with other concerned citizens and religious leaders, is watching and waiting, hoping that dialogue and reconciliation will prevail over division and discord.
