Over ten Women Representatives have openly declared their support for the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The vote, slated for Tuesday in the National Assembly, has sparked widespread debate, revealing deep fractures in the country’s leadership and possibly setting the stage for significant political shifts.
The women MPs, led by National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei, have expressed strong reservations about Gachagua’s conduct, signaling their intent to support the motion to oust him. This announcement comes despite Gachagua’s public plea for forgiveness—a gesture the women legislators have acknowledged but ultimately deemed insufficient to sway their constitutional duty.
A Growing Coalition Against Gachagua
During a women empowerment event held at Tonongoi Grounds in Soin Sigowet Constituency, Kericho County, the MPs made their stance clear. Alongside Shollei, Migori County MP Fatuma Mohammed, Nyandarua MP Rahab Mukami, Nakuru’s Liza Chelule, Beatrice Kemei from Kericho, Rael Kasiwai from West Pokot, Jerusha Momanyi from Nyamira, and Narok’s Rebecca Tonkei voiced their dissatisfaction with Gachagua’s leadership, citing concerns about his recent behavior.
Their position has been bolstered by claims that the Deputy President’s actions have not aligned with the expectations of the office he holds. While the specifics of these allegations have yet to be thoroughly detailed in public discourse, the collective resolve of these women MPs suggests that the grievances go beyond mere political disagreements and touch on deeper issues of integrity and governance.
Gladys Shollei’s Dual Role: Deputy Speaker and Representative
One of the most vocal figures in the movement against Gachagua is Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei, who also serves as the Uasin Gishu Women Representative. Shollei addressed criticisms that her role as Deputy Speaker should preclude her from participating in the impeachment process. In response, she clarified that her position as Deputy Speaker is not the same as being the substantive Speaker, meaning she still retains her responsibilities as a representative of Uasin Gishu County. As such, she stated, she has both the right and the obligation to express her views on matters of national importance, particularly those that impact her constituents.
Shollei’s leadership in this movement is particularly noteworthy, as it signifies a willingness to challenge high-ranking officials despite her role in the National Assembly’s hierarchy. Her involvement also lends credibility to the impeachment motion, drawing attention to the seriousness of the charges being leveled against the Deputy President.
Gachagua’s Plea for Forgiveness: A Missed Opportunity?
Deputy President Gachagua’s recent plea for forgiveness was seen by some as an attempt to diffuse the growing opposition against him. However, the Women Representatives who spoke out during the empowerment event indicated that while they acknowledge his request, it does not absolve him from the responsibilities of his office. Shollei, speaking on behalf of her colleagues, emphasized that their decision to proceed with the impeachment vote is not rooted in personal animosity but in their constitutional obligation to hold leaders accountable.
“We have heard the Deputy President’s plea for forgiveness, but as representatives of the people, we must uphold the rule of law and exercise our duty in the best interests of our constituents,” Shollei stated. “We can forgive him later, but first, we must do what is right.”
This statement reflects the delicate balance between personal reconciliation and political responsibility. It also highlights the MPs’ view that the impeachment process is a necessary step in preserving the integrity of the office of the Deputy President.
Constitutional Implications of the Impeachment
The impeachment of a Deputy President is a rare and significant event in Kenya’s political landscape, carrying with it profound constitutional and legal implications. The process requires the support of at least one-third of the members of the National Assembly to initiate, after which the motion is debated and voted upon. If the motion passes, the Deputy President would be required to step down, triggering a series of political maneuvers that could reshape the balance of power within the government.
For the Women Representatives backing the motion, this moment represents an opportunity to demonstrate the strength of the country’s democratic institutions. Their decision to move forward with the vote, despite Gachagua’s plea for forgiveness, suggests that they believe the gravity of the situation warrants decisive action.
A Test of Kenya’s Leadership
Beyond the legal and constitutional ramifications, the impeachment vote also serves as a critical test of Kenya’s leadership. Deputy President Gachagua has been a controversial figure since assuming office, with his assertive leadership style and outspoken demeanor drawing both praise and criticism. His supporters argue that he has been an effective advocate for the government’s policies, particularly in the Mount Kenya region, where his influence is strong. However, his detractors, including the Women Representatives now pushing for his ouster, argue that his behavior has been detrimental to the office he holds.
The upcoming vote on Tuesday will therefore not only determine Gachagua’s political future but also serve as a reflection of the broader political climate in Kenya. If the motion passes, it could signal a shift in the power dynamics within the ruling coalition, potentially opening the door for new alliances and rivalries to emerge.
The Role of Women in Kenya’s Politics
The involvement of women MPs in the impeachment process is also a notable development in the context of Kenyan politics. Historically, women have been underrepresented in the country’s political landscape, but recent years have seen a growing number of female leaders assert themselves on the national stage. The decision by these Women Representatives to take a stand against the Deputy President underscores their increasing influence and the importance of women’s voices in shaping the country’s future.
Their participation in this high-stakes political process is a testament to the strides that have been made in empowering women leaders in Kenya. It also reflects a broader trend of women taking on more prominent roles in governance and decision-making, both at the local and national levels.
Looking Ahead: A Nation at a Crossroads
As the National Assembly prepares for Tuesday’s impeachment vote, the country watches with bated breath. The outcome of the vote could have far-reaching consequences for Kenya’s political landscape, setting a precedent for how future disputes involving high-ranking officials are handled.
For Deputy President Gachagua, the stakes could not be higher. His political career hangs in the balance, and the decision of the Women Representatives to back the impeachment motion signals that he may face an uphill battle in retaining his position. At the same time, the move also highlights the strength of Kenya’s democratic institutions and the importance of accountability in leadership.
Regardless of the outcome, Tuesday’s vote will mark a defining moment in Kenya’s political history, one that will be remembered for years to come. Whether Gachagua survives the impeachment or is forced to step down, the process itself underscores the evolving nature of Kenyan politics and the increasing role that women are playing in shaping the country’s future.
