Various political leaders have come out to express their support for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua against his impeachment.
The list of Members of Parliament (MPs) who openly supported Gachagua includes Gilgil’s Martha Wangare, Nyali’s Mohamed Ali, and Embakasi North’s James Gakuya Mwangi.
Gachagua-allied MP Gakuya has defended the leader against allegations of divisive comments, which are included in the motion tabled to impeach him.
“‘Murima’ having a leader who represents their interests is not a crime. There is no way ‘murima’ can be left in anguish without someone to spearhead their agenda. This is where the problem lies,” Gakuya said in a past interview.
On the other hand, speaking to her constituents on October 3, 2024, Gilgil’s legislator Wangare disputed the ouster motion against the second in command saying the allegations against him do not warrant his impeachment.
“We elected William Ruto along with Gachagua to government. The allegations included in the motion are not serious enough to warrant Gachagua’s impeachment. I urge you all to stand with the deputy president,” she stated.
On his part, Nyali’s MP Mohamed Ali faulted the motion seeking to ouster Gachagua, terming it an ill-intended decision.
‘I have carefully read the charges in the impeachment motion against the deputy president. In good faith, I do not support this cause of action and find it ill-intentioned seeking to demonize a public servant who has contributed immensely to this great country. Let it be known that I, Mohamed Ali Mohamed, did not sign the impeachment motion against Gachagua,” he explained.
Other MPs Supporting Gachagua
Other legislators on Gachagua’s defense are Marakwet West’s Timothy Kipchumba Toroitich, Maragua’s Mary Wamaua, and Githunguri’s Gathoni Wamuchomba.
Wamuchomba declined to sign the ouster motion, explaining that the impeachment was a plot to distract Kenyans from key issues affecting the country.
“I have keenly listened to the ground, and I will not vote yes to the motion. I will vote no,” she stated.
Consequently, Marakwet West’s MP Kipchumba Toroitich expressed his reservations against the impeachment, saying the government should instead focus on the development of the country.
“My conscience is against the letter, the spirit, and the intent of the impeachment motion against the deputy president. Let history record that I never supported Gachagua’s impeachment,” he commented.
Kenyans are set to engage in public participation on Friday, October 4, 2024, regarding the motion to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. It will then be debated in parliament and if passed sent to the Senate.
Also Read: Gachagua Impeachment: How to Fill and Submit Form to Save or Kick Out DP
Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina is another politician on Gachagua’s side. In a video on September 28, Maina said the impeachment plans have constantly been used as a threatening tool against the deputy president.
“The Mountain is united; they haven’t touched it. Even if they buy the MPs and Senators and bring the impeachment motion, we can’t allow them to touch the Mountain,” she said in another video on September 29.
On Thursday, October 3, 2024, Njeri was summoned over allegations of hiring goons to disrupt the public participation process regarding the deputy president’s impeachment. She has denied the claims.
Senators Supporting Gachagua Against Impeachment
A number of senators, including Kiambu’s Karungo wa Thang’wa and Muranga’s Joe Nyutu, are also against the ouster of the deputy president.
Also Read: Gachagua Ally Summoned Hours to Impeachment Public Participation
In an interview on September 26, 2024, Senator Nyutu urged the president to prevent his deputy’s removal from office.
“I beseech Ruto to prevent Gachagua’s impeachment as it could lead to an undesirable situation with the people of Mount Kenya. I also ask Raila Odinga not to allow his members of parliament to support it,” he said.
On his part, Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has also sided with Ruto’s deputy, expressing his support for the leader.
“I will stand with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua till the end,” Thang’wa said in a statement.
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