NAIROBI, Kenya- Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has apologised to residents of the Mt Kenya region over the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, urging leaders and residents not to allow political differences to divide communities.
Speaking during a public engagement, Waiguru acknowledged the emotions surrounding the impeachment debate, saying she understood the pain and concerns expressed by constituents.
“Ile uchungu, ama kukosewa isifanye tujitenge na jamii zingine za Kenya,” she said, urging unity across communities.
Gachagua was impeached in October 2024 following proceedings in the National Assembly and Senate.
Lawmakers accused him of multiple offences, including alleged incitement of ethnic tensions, and undermining the government, claims he denied.
The Senate ultimately voted to remove him from office on 17 October 2024, making him the first Deputy President under Kenya’s 2010 Constitution to be successfully impeached and removed.
Kithure Kindiki, who was serving as Interior Cabinet Secretary, was appointed as his replacement.
Waiguru further appealed for calm and reflection, warning against long-term divisions driven by political disagreements.
“Let that pain not divide us in the 20 years. Poleni sana. We listen to your problems. I understand how you feel and what you are saying,” she said.
Waiguru emphasised the importance of maintaining national cohesion despite political tensions, cautioning against isolationist sentiments within communities.
“Let us not isolate ourselves from other tribes because of the pain in the next 20 years,” she added.
The governor also noted that removing a government through constitutional processes is never an easy undertaking, underscoring the sensitivity of impeachment proceedings and their wider political impact.
“Removing a government is not an easy job,” she said.
Gachagua has remained politically active and aligned with opposition forces, positioning himself against President William Ruto’s administration.
He has challenged the legality and fairness of his impeachment in court, arguing constitutional violations and due process concerns.
Gachagua’s impeachment reshaped political alignments in the Mt Kenya region, traditionally a major voting bloc.
He has since registered his own political party, the DCP, which has a huge following in the Mt Kenya region.
