The fate of Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua now lies with the Senate after the courts declined to issue orders to stop the ongoing impeachment motion tabled against him.
The Senate will hold hearings on October 16th and 17th before voting on the 11 impeachment charges to determine Gachagua’s fate.
Gachagua will be removed from office if at least two-thirds of senators (45 out of 67) vote in favor of impeachment.
This means the DP needs at least 23 senators to vote against all the charges to remain in office.
Several notable senators have been at the forefront in defending Gachagua and attending his rallies amid the onslaught over his utterances.
Karungo Thang’wa
Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa tops this list and is a common face in the DP’s camp. Thang’wa has been leading and introducing Gachagua’s allies during events he attends.
He made several demands before the National Assembly debated Gachagua’s impeachment motion.
Thang’wa also criticized the manner in which the motion was handled, including the public participation.
“What happened yesterday at the so-called public participation on the DP’s impeachment motion is like judges asking the public to vote on how they should rule in a case, completely ignoring the law and the significance of the matter at hand,” he tweeted.
Joe Nyutu
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has also been vocal about the impeachment.
Speaking on September 29, Nyutu asked President William Ruto to amicably resolve their differences, stating that impeachment is not the best choice.
The senator explained that Ruto should not abandon Gachagua now that he has found new political friends.
“Conduct public participation, ask the people and the religious leaders if Gachagua should be impeached,” he said.
John Methu
Nyandarua Senator John Methu, a close ally of Gachagua, has also been actively involved in the DP’s events and is at the forefront of defending him.
During the tabling of the motion in the Senate, Methu asked the Senate to ensure the debate is not rushed, as was the case during the trial of Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza.
He explained that the process was rushed, denying members time to contribute.
“I am pleading with the Speaker to leave the matter open so that we do not hurry the process like it happened in Governor Kawira’s case, which led to an acrimonious exercise. Senators require sufficient time to dispense with the matter so as to ensure that justice is done,” Methu said.
Also Read: Kalonzo Explains Why Gachagua Must Not Resign
Dan Maanzo & James Murango
Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has also publicly criticized the impeachment of Gachagua.
Speaking in an interview on Monday, October 14, Maanzo referred to the process as an act of lynching and public mob justice planned and executed by young politicians.
“There is no reason to impeach Rigathi Gachagua; it is politics initiated by very young politicians. What happened in Parliament, unfortunately, was lynching, public mob justice against the Deputy President without full consideration of the country’s interests,” Maanzo stated.
Kirinyaga Senator James Murango was among the leaders who accompanied Gachagua to a church service in Embu County on October 13.
Speaking on September 28, Gachagua claimed that MPs were offered Ksh5 million to support an impeachment motion against him.
He alleged that Senator Murango and Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina were among those offered the cash but declined.
“Njeri was told to take Ksh5 million, but she refused. Senator James Murango was also offered cash, but he declined,” Gachagua alleged.
Enoch Wambua & Agnes Kavindu
Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua is among the senators who have publicly declared their position regarding the motion.
Speaking on October 14, Wambua said the two leaders could have resolved their differences instead of opting for impeachment.
“We expected President Ruto to forgive his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, because they are Christians. We shall reject the impeachment motion,” Wambua said.
Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu also criticized Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse for attempting to involve the Kamba community in Gachagua’s impeachment.
Speaking on October 7, Kavindu explained that Mutuse’s actions were individual and do not represent the position of the community.
Also Read: Reason Gachagua Doesn’t Want James Orengo Involved in His Impeachment
The senator said she doesn’t support the motion and will critically analyze the charges leveled against Gachagua. Kavindu added that the DP had even asked for forgiveness, and the President should forgive him as it is written in the Bible.
“Many people think that Mutuse is speaking on behalf of the Kamba community. I want to clarify that he has spoken as an individual, and he knows why he brought that issue up. We do not support him, and we will review the accusations,” she said.
“Personally, I would urge the President and the Deputy President to unite. They should sit down and agree if there is any mistake they made.”
Lamu Senator Joseph Githuku was among the leaders present at the National Prayer Altar at Gachagua’s official residence in Karen on October 6.
However, he has not revealed his official position regarding the ongoing impeachment motion.
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