Central Trade Organizations Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has broken his silence following the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua by Members of Parliament.
Atwoli in a statement on Wednesday, October 9, responded to the possibility of him replacing DP Gachagua if his impeachment motion which was approved by the National Assembly is upheld by the Senate.
The COTU boss first called out people circulating reports that a politician from the Western Kenya region will be considered as the next DP, labelling them as rumors.
He further highlighted that he remains being a trade unionist and does not desire any other elective or appointive seat.
“Those people who are busy peddling rumors under some unknown research document, on who should be considered for DP from Western Kenya, should stop and forget such unprocessed thoughts. The luhyas have known leaders, in government, who represent the community ably,” said Atwoli.
“I am a trade unionist, period. And I do not desire any other elective or appointive seat.”
Atwoli rubbished the claims that he would be considered as a DP, highlighting that the Luhya community has known political leaders who speak for the community politically.
“If there is anything coming for the Luhya community, we have known political leaders who speak for the community politically and represent us in government. I am just an elder and advisor.”
Atwoli calls for Gachagua’s arrest
Earlier in September, Atwoli called for DP Gachagua’s arrest following the latter’s sentiments earlier during the month in which he had warned President William Ruto against betraying him.
The COTU Secretary General at the time further opined that the position of the DP should be declared through appointment and not through an election as a Presidential candidate’s running mate.
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According to Atwoli, assuming the role of the DP by being a presidential candidate’s running mate makes the office holder think that they are of the same level with the head of state.
He criticized DP Gachagua for contradicting the president and government policies adding that he needs to play his role of being a deputy.
“President William Ruto is out of the country, and he is on top of his car, the Deputy President misleading people and misguiding the nation. He must be arrested, if it were the KANU government we would have arrested him in the morning,” said Atwoli.
“I said earlier on, the position of the Deputy President must remain of appointment, being appointed by the president and there would be none of this circus you hear.”
DP Gachagua impeached
His remarks came after Members of the National Assembly on Tuesday night voted overwhelmingly to impeach DP Gachagua.
A total number of 281 parliamentarians voted in favor of the motion seeking to send Gachagua home.
Also Read: Gachagua Impeachment Live Updates: MPs Resume Debate
On the other hand, 44 lawmakers opposed the ouster of President Ruto’s deputy, with just one abstention.
The lawmakers took the vote moments after the DP put up a spirited fight to defend himself in the chambers.
Gachagua during the debate on Tuesday dismissed all the allegations levelled against him and maintained his innocence citing the motion as “a scheme to kick him out” and “baseless”.
The embattled DP addressed all the eleven counts, one by one, countering the motion tabled by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse with evidentiary material including video clips.
Further, the second in command justified his vast wealth, with majority of his assets linked to his late brother Nderitu Gachagua who served as Nyeri Governor.
Majority of the lawmakers however voted against Gachagua, meeting the Constitutional threshold set which requires at least two-thirds of the members to vote in support of the Special Motion.
The motion is now set to undergo further consideration in the Senate before a final vote is taken.
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