Parliament Busy Stoking Dangerous Rhetoric: Elders Warn Ahead of DP Gachagua’s Impeachment Proceedings

NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Council of Elders has urged President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to embrace unity and avoid divisive politics as the impeachment motion against the DP looms.

The elders expressed deep concern over the growing political tension, warning that the current rhetoric in Parliament is threatening national stability.

Speaking on behalf of the council, one of the elders cautioned, “Communities are coexisting peacefully, but we are starting to see early signs of unrest similar to the dangerous atmosphere that led to the 2007/08 post-election violence. We are extremely concerned about the impeachment motion in Parliament and pray that wisdom prevails to prevent a political fallout. The recent violent demonstrations, which nearly crippled the nation, should not be ignored. If no action is taken, they could easily recur.”

The elder further added that Parliament appears to be “stoking dangerous rhetoric” that is sowing division among Kenyan communities.

He called on President Ruto to intervene, stating, “Your Excellency, you have the power, the mandate, and the responsibility to steer Kenya through these turbulent times and prevent a repeat of the violence we’ve seen before.”

This statement comes just a day after Deputy President Gachagua publicly apologized for his controversial “shareholder government” remarks, which had been perceived as divisive, particularly by communities that did not support President Ruto during the 2022 general election.

Gachagua explained that his remarks were intended to acknowledge those who voted for them, not to alienate others.

“If our brothers from regions that didn’t support us felt uncomfortable with our expressions of appreciation, I ask for your forgiveness,” he said. “We didn’t mean any harm. If we offended you, please find it in your heart to forgive me.”

The Deputy President is facing an impeachment motion with 10 charges against him, including corruption, ethnic discrimination, and contradicting government policies.

While Gachagua has maintained his innocence and vowed to fight the motion, President Ruto has remained silent on the matter.

Early in his presidency, Ruto had emphasized that he would not publicly humiliate his deputy, a reference to the strained relationship he endured with former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The impeachment motion is set to be heard in the National Assembly on Tuesday, a decision that could have significant implications for the country’s political landscape.