A total number of 281 Members of Parliament (MPs) on Tuesday, October 9 voted in support of a Special Motion on the removal from office, by impeachment, of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Following the vote, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula directed the Clerk to communicate the House’s decision to the Senate where the matter is now set for a plenary hearing nect week.
On Thursday, reports emerged that the embattled DP Gachagua has announced his resignation through a letter that has been making rounds on social media.
The letter seen by The Kenya Times explains DP Gachagua’s decision to resign from his position effective immediately, citing reliable information received that the Senate would proceed to vote unanimously in favor of his impeachment.
Further, the letter states that the DP has applied his mind to the impeachment process coming to the conclusion that he cannot continue to serve in good conscience under the circumstances.
“I am writing to tender my resignation from my position as Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, effective immediately. It is with a heavy heart that I make this decision, but I believe it is in the best interest of both my conscience and the people I serve. I have been reliably informed that the Senate will proceed to vote unanimously in favor of my impeachment,” reads the letter in part.
It adds, “While I maintain that I am not guilty of the charges against me, I have applied my mind to this process and have come to the conclusion that I cannot continue to serve in good conscience under these circumstances.”
The letter expressed his belief that it was essential for him to focus his efforts on a path that aligns with his values.
Has the DP Resigned?
It further added that he realizes that the path to defend himself through the courts could also end his political career, maintaining that he has instead chosen the path of the truthful man.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Kenya and have cherished the moments spent in service to our great nation. I hope to continue contributing to the well-being of our people in different capacities in the future. Thank you for your understanding. God bless you all and God bless Kenya,” it adds.
Also Read: Protests Erupt in Mathira After Gachagua’s Impeachment
However, The Kenya Times conducted a fact check to prove the authenticity of the letter confirming that DP Gachagua has not tendered any resignation as purported by the letter.
All communications from the Office of the Deputy President are done by the Deputy President Communication Services through the official communications channel.
As of October 10, the last update on DP Gachagua’s official accounts were Bible verses posted following his impeachment by MPs on Tuesday evening.
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Gachagua took to social media to post Bible verses with his first verse being quoted from 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which states: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
The second in command went ahead to add another, from Jeremiah 30:19, that states: “From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing. I will add to their numbers, and they will not be decreased; I will bring them honor, and they will not be disdained.”
Anyone telling me to resign is a joker- DP Gachagua
Gachagua, who will now face the Senate to defend himself against the impeachment push, further simply added: “It is well.”
Also Read: Gachagua Impeachment Live Updates: Public Participation Enters Second Day
Earlier on Monday, Gachagua had maintained that he would not resign amid the impeachment motion against him over a raft of allegations among them gross misconduct.
At a press conference on Monday night, hours before the motion’s hearing in the National Assembly, the DP made nonsense of numerous calls for his resignation from a section of the public and politicians.
“I was elected by 7.2 million Kenyans; how dare you suggest I resign without public participation? I have no intention of resigning from this job, I will fight until the end,” he told journalists.
He added, “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.”
In a historic vote held on Tuesday evening, 282 MPs voted in support of the impeachment motion against Gachagua, with 44 legislators voting against it while one legislator abstained.
The Special Motion, introduced by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, outlined 11 charges against the Deputy President, including gross violation of the Constitution, undermining the President and the Cabinet, undermining devolution, and compromising judicial independence by publicly attacking a judge.
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