NAIROBI, Kenya – Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has declared that he is prepared to work with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua despite voting in favour of his impeachment, saying the opposition’s priority is to remove President William Ruto from office.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV’s The Explainer, Sifuna said political differences should not stand in the way of a common objective, insisting that all leaders committed to defending the Constitution and the rule of law are welcome in the opposition’s push against the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“We will work with everyone who believes in these things, the Constitution and the rule of law. We will work with anyone who believes that Ruto does not deserve an extra day in office and, for as long as that’s our cause, we will work together,” Sifuna said.
The Nairobi senator, who previously served as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General, maintained that his decision to support Gachagua’s impeachment was justified and was based on the former deputy president’s conduct, including what he described as interference in the affairs of Nairobi County.
Sifuna dismissed suggestions that his willingness to collaborate with Gachagua amounts to a reversal of his earlier position.
“Nothing has changed. As a lawyer, I’ll tell you there’s a rule against double jeopardy. He paid for his mistakes, he was impeached. What else do you want me to do, beat him?” he posed.
He added that while he stood by his impeachment vote, Gachagua’s current stance against President Ruto creates room for political cooperation.
“I already voted to impeach him and it was for specific crimes, but he’s the one now saying Ruto is an existential threat to this country and that whatever it takes, he can do to remove him,” Sifuna said.
According to the senator, Gachagua carries greater political responsibility in efforts to unseat President Ruto because of the role he played in helping him secure victory in the 2022 General Election.
“He feels largely responsible for Ruto being in power and therefore he has a greater responsibility in removing him than anyone else, and that is something I agree with because, at the end of the day, we have to kick out Ruto,” he stated.
Sifuna also rejected claims that lawmakers were bribed to support Gachagua’s impeachment, saying his vote was guided by principle rather than financial inducement.
“I did not need any inducement when it came to Gachagua’s impeachment because I had publicly taken positions against some of his conduct and pronouncements, like his interference in the running and management of Nairobi City County,” he said.
His remarks came days after National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed alleged that some legislators received bribes during the impeachment process.
Speaking at an ODM meeting in Kakamega on July 26, Junet claimed money changed hands in Parliament as lawmakers deliberated on Gachagua’s removal from office, remarks that have since sparked political debate over the controversial impeachment.
