In a dramatic session at Parliament buildings in Nairobi on Tuesday 8th October, 2024, Mwengi Mutuse, the MP for Kibwezi West and the mover of the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, asserted that he possesses compelling evidence to substantiate all allegations against the DP. During a heated debate, Mutuse unveiled video clips of Gachagua’s controversial remarks from February 2023, where the Deputy President described the government as “a company” with some Kenyans as “majority shareholders” while others hold no stake. The MP cautioned that such statements threaten to deepen divisions in the nation and exacerbate negative ethnic politics. “I have 14 other videos of the Deputy President in different parts of the country speaking in the same, same language… Divisive ethnic politics are dangerous,” Mutuse emphasized.
He referenced historical instances of conflict, noting that Gachagua, previously a district officer during the post-election clashes in Molo, poses a risk of leading the country down a perilous path. “If the person occupying the high office of the deputy president wants to take Kenya in that direction, the time has come for Parliament to defend the constitution and impeach him,” he declared. Furthermore, Mutuse accused Gachagua of orchestrating demolitions in the Mavoko area of Athi River, Machakos County, and interfering with the devolution process and the governance of Nairobi City County. He urged fellow MPs to recognize the severity of the accusations. “He has not lived to the calling; he has not lived up to the Constitution and the oath of office,” he stated. “Please vote to impeach Rigathi Gachagua on all the grounds.”
The impeachment motion details various accusations against Gachagua, including making inflammatory statements, undermining President William Ruto and the Cabinet, interfering with Nairobi County leadership, and bullying, among other charges. In response, Gachagua has categorically dismissed the allegations as unfounded and fabricated. Speaking at a press conference on Monday night, he stated, “There is nothing here that violates the constitution… no gross misconduct. I am innocent in all these allegations.” He indicated his intention to appear before Parliament to defend himself against the charges. Gachagua also rejected calls from some politicians and members of the public for his resignation, asserting, “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 vowed, adding, “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.”
As the debate continues, the future of Deputy President Gachagua hangs in the balance, with significant implications for the political landscape in Kenya.