Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political future hangs in the balance as mounting public pressure and a motion for his impeachment gain momentum. On Tuesday, a parliamentary report revealed that 116,269 Kenyans who participated in nationwide public forums held on October 4 and 5 overwhelmingly supported the motion to impeach Gachagua, with 69,195 voting against it. The calls for his removal are driven by accusations of gross misconduct, constitutional violations, undermining the presidency, and corruption, among other charges.
While Gachagua has remained defiant, insisting that he has done nothing wrong, the numbers suggest significant dissatisfaction among the Kenyan populace. Public participation, a process that allows citizens to voice their opinions on national matters, has placed Gachagua under intense scrutiny as over half of those engaged are in favor of removing him from office. However, the process and the data have raised questions, with some discrepancies noted in the parliamentary report.
Constituencies Leading the Call for Ouster
The document from Parliament listed the top constituencies where Kenyans showed unwavering support for Gachagua’s impeachment. These regions, spanning across different counties, registered close to or complete unanimity in their vote to oust the Deputy President. In particular, nine constituencies recorded 100% support for the motion. These constituencies include:
- Balambala – 313 votes for impeachment
- Daadab – 305 votes for impeachment
- Fafi – 121 votes for impeachment
- Kirinyaga Central – 120 votes for impeachment
- Kuresoi North – 39 votes for impeachment
- Lafey – 247 votes for impeachment
- Magarini – 145 votes for impeachment
- Mandera South – 102 votes for impeachment
- Mogotio – 454 votes for impeachment
These constituencies, scattered across different regions of the country, showed a complete rejection of Gachagua’s continued leadership as Deputy President. Their concerns likely echo the general frustrations with the current administration’s performance, the handling of corruption allegations, and governance issues.
Additionally, other constituencies like Bondo, Butere, Ijara, Kibwezi West, Kinango, Konoin, Lamu East, Likoni, and Likuyani recorded over 99% support for Gachagua’s ouster. This widespread public sentiment against him highlights the growing dissatisfaction in these areas, reflecting a strong push for change within the national leadership.
Discrepancies in the Public Participation Report
The parliamentary report, however, raised eyebrows over some inconsistencies in the figures. For example, in Keiyo South, the report noted that 43 people participated in the exercise, but it also indicated that 70 residents voted in support of the impeachment, with only one opposing it. This discrepancy, though dismissed by Parliament as a clerical error, casts doubt on the credibility of the entire process. Such inconsistencies raise concerns about whether the public participation was handled properly and whether all the data was accurately recorded.
The public participation exercise, held across the country, provided Kenyans with an opportunity to express their frustrations with the government. Many Kenyans feel that the impeachment motion, while directed at Gachagua, is emblematic of a broader dissatisfaction with the government’s priorities. Some critics argue that the government has been more focused on internal squabbles and power struggles rather than addressing the pressing issues facing the country, such as the high cost of living, unemployment, and economic instability.
The Charges Against Gachagua
The push to impeach Gachagua centers around 11 charges, which have been tabled in Parliament. Among the accusations are gross misconduct, violation of the Constitution, and undermining the presidency. Gachagua is also accused of corruption, a charge that has dogged him throughout his political career. Critics argue that his actions and leadership style have not only tarnished the image of the presidency but have also impeded the government’s ability to function effectively.
These charges have been enough to prompt widespread public outrage, with many Kenyans feeling that the Deputy President has failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office. The constitutional violations in question are believed to stem from allegations that Gachagua has acted in ways that are contrary to his oath of office, and that he has consistently undermined President William Ruto’s leadership.
Gachagua’s Defense Strategy
Despite the mounting pressure, Gachagua has remained resolute, vowing not to resign. He has maintained that he has done nothing wrong and will fight the impeachment motion both in Parliament and in the courts. Gachagua has assembled a formidable legal team, comprising 20 advocates, including senior counsels, to defend him against the allegations. His defense strategy will focus on disproving the charges laid out against him and casting doubt on the credibility of the public participation process.
During a press conference held at his residence in Karen, Nairobi, on Monday evening, Gachagua dismissed the calls for his resignation as a joke. He asserted that he would not succumb to pressure from those calling for his ouster and vowed to continue serving Kenyans.
“I will get justice and carry out my duties as DP. Anybody sending me messages to resign is a joker. I have done nothing wrong to Kenyans,” Gachagua said defiantly.
Political Implications of the Impeachment Motion
The impeachment motion against Gachagua has far-reaching political implications, not just for him, but for the entire administration of President William Ruto. If the motion proceeds, it could lead to a political crisis within the ruling party, with factions potentially emerging in support or opposition to Gachagua. The situation also risks further dividing the country along political lines, particularly as the constituencies that voted overwhelmingly for Gachagua’s ouster are located in different regions of the country.
The impeachment motion may also affect the government’s ability to address key issues affecting Kenyans. Critics of the government argue that the focus on internal squabbles is a distraction from the real issues facing the country, such as unemployment, rising inflation, and public service delivery. Should Gachagua’s impeachment go forward, it could result in a protracted legal and political battle that further destabilizes the government.
Conclusion: Gachagua’s Fate in the Balance
As Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua prepares to defend himself against the impeachment motion, the outcome of this political drama remains uncertain. The nationwide public participation exercise revealed that a significant portion of Kenyans are dissatisfied with his leadership, but questions remain about the credibility of the process.
The coming weeks will be critical as Gachagua’s legal team prepares to fight the charges in Parliament and the courts. His political fate could hinge on his ability to successfully defend himself and convince Parliament that the charges against him are unfounded. Meanwhile, the impeachment motion serves as a reminder of the deep political divisions in the country and the growing frustrations among ordinary Kenyans.
As the debate over Gachagua’s future continues, one thing is clear: the Deputy President’s fight to stay in office will have significant implications for the future of Kenya’s political landscape.
