Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Paul Ongili, alias Babu Owino, has explained why he has been silent about the impeachment motion tabled against Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua.
Babu Owino and his Kiharu counterpart, Ndindi Nyoro, are among the popular MPs who failed to sign the impeachment motion tabled by Kibwezi West MP Ecomas Mutuse Mwengi.
A total of 291 Members of Parliament (MPs) appended their signatures in support of the motion, but the two, along with around 50 others, failed to.
While replying to a Facebook comment, Babu Owino said there are other pressing issues that leaders should focus on instead of impeaching the DP.
“Why have you gone silent, Babu? I haven’t seen you talk about the impeachment,” asked a Facebook user named Drip Lord.
Babu Owino replied, saying, “Kenyans have bigger challenges.”
Babu Owino has not revealed whether he will support the motion during the vote. Similarly, Ndindi Nyoro has remained silent since the motion was tabled.
MPs Supporting Gachagua
However, there is a group of MPs who have openly supported Gachagua. The group includes Gilgil’s Martha Wangare, Nyali’s Mohamed Ali, Embakasi North’s James Mwangi Gakuya, and Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina.
In a past interview, Gakuya defended the DP against allegations of divisive comments, which are part of the motion tabled to impeach him.
Gakuya said it is not illegal for the DP to represent the interests of the Mount Kenya region and spearhead the agenda of the people.
“It is not a crime for the Mount Kenya region to have a leader who represents their interests. There is no way the Mountain can be left in anguish without someone to spearhead their agenda. This is where the problem lies,” Gakuya said.
Wangare has also publicly defended Gachagua, arguing that the allegations contained in the motion do not warrant impeachment.
Also Read: 4 Security Threats Gachagua Impeachment is Likely to Cause – Report
Wangare & Mohamed Ali
Speaking to her constituents on October 3, 2024, Wangare asked President William Ruto to protect the DP against the allegations tabled against him.
“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.
In a tweet, Mohamed Ali explained why he doesn’t support the motion. The MP said Gachagua is a public servant who has served the country diligently, and the motion was meant to taint his image.
“I have carefully read the charges in the impeachment motion against the Deputy President. In good faith, I do not support this course 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 said.
Also Read: Dumping Gachagua: Senator Issues Demands to Parliament Including Live Debate
Other MPs Supporting the DP
Njeri Maina has been on Gachagua’s tour team and has constantly defended him against the allegations.
Maina was summoned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to defend herself against accusations of planning to organize goons to disrupt a public participation exercise that was held on October 4th and 5th.
Other MPs 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.
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