NAIROBI, Kenya – Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga joined a group of lawmakers from his region who voted to impeach former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, revealing a fracture in Gachagua’s political stronghold.
Wamatinga, long considered a close ally of Gachagua, cast his vote to uphold three of the five charges against him during Thursday’s Senate impeachment vote, further exposing the growing discontent in Gachagua’s Mt. Kenya backyard.
Wamatinga’s decision was part of a broader shift in allegiance among several senators from the region, with notable names such as Tabitha Keroche (Nakuru), Kathure Murungi (Meru), Alexander Mundigi (Embu), and Mwenda Gataya (Tharaka Nithi) voting to convict Gachagua on all five charges upheld by the Senate.
They were joined by nominated senators Veronica Maina, Karen Nyamu, and George Mbugua, who also supported the charges that ultimately sealed Gachagua’s fate.
The impeachment proceedings, which concluded with the Senate upholding five of the 11 charges leveled against Gachagua, included serious allegations such as abuse of office, undermining the judiciary, and gross misconduct.
Among the charges upheld were accusations of violating the National Cohesion and Integrity Act, public attacks on National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director-General Noordin Haji, and other actions deemed detrimental to national unity.
Nyamu, speaking during the Senate debate, expressed her internal conflict over the impeachment, describing it as a difficult decision.
“He has been our leader; we fought alongside him to bring this government to power. This isn’t something we are happy about,” she said, highlighting the emotional toll the decision had taken on those who had once stood by Gachagua.
Perhaps the biggest surprise came from Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, who, despite his vocal defense of Gachagua during the debate, ultimately voted to uphold all five charges against the former DP.
Cherargei had earlier criticized the impeachment’s sponsor, Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, accusing him of presenting weak evidence, particularly regarding Gachagua’s alleged accumulation of wealth beyond his known income.
However, when the final vote came, Cherargei sided with the majority, contradicting his earlier position.
But it was Wamatinga’s vote that sent shockwaves through political circles.
Having risen to prominence under Gachagua’s mentorship, serving as chair of the Mathira Constituency Development Fund during Gachagua’s tenure as MP, Wamatinga’s loyalty to his former boss had seemed unwavering.
His abstention on two counts and support of three charges marked a clear departure from the political path he once shared with Gachagua.
This move followed a similar betrayal by Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, Gachagua’s successor in the constituency, who voted for his impeachment in the National Assembly.
Wamumbi’s vote was especially symbolic, given Gachagua’s strong endorsement of him during the 2022 elections and their previous close ties, including Gachagua acting as Wamumbi’s chief negotiator during his wedding dowry ceremony.
The impeachment vote revealed deeper rifts within the Mt. Kenya political elite, with other key figures from Nyeri County such as Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge and Othaya MP Michael Wanaina Wambugu also supporting Gachagua’s removal.
In stark contrast, Gachagua’s allies from Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Laikipia, and Murang’a counties stood by him, with senators like James Murango, Karungo Thang’wa, and Joe Nyutu voting against the charges.
Gachagua’s ousting has ignited debates about loyalty, power, and shifting alliances within Kenya’s political landscape.
His fall from grace, especially in his own Mt. Kenya region, raises questions about his political future and the forces that contributed to his downfall.
Wamatinga, long considered a close ally of Gachagua, cast his vote to uphold three of the five charges against him during Thursday’s Senate impeachment vote, further exposing the growing discontent in Gachagua’s Mt. Kenya backyard.
Wamatinga’s decision was part of a broader shift in allegiance among several senators from the region, with notable names such as Tabitha Keroche (Nakuru), Kathure Murungi (Meru), Alexander Mundigi (Embu), and Mwenda Gataya (Tharaka Nithi) voting to convict Gachagua on all five charges upheld by the Senate.
They were joined by nominated senators Veronica Maina, Karen Nyamu, and George Mbugua, who also supported the charges that ultimately sealed Gachagua’s fate.
The impeachment proceedings, which concluded with the Senate upholding five of the 11 charges leveled against Gachagua, included serious allegations such as abuse of office, undermining the judiciary, and gross misconduct.
Among the charges upheld were accusations of violating the National Cohesion and Integrity Act, public attacks on National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director-General Noordin Haji, and other actions deemed detrimental to national unity.
Nyamu, speaking during the Senate debate, expressed her internal conflict over the impeachment, describing it as a difficult decision.
“He has been our leader; we fought alongside him to bring this government to power. This isn’t something we are happy about,” she said, highlighting the emotional toll the decision had taken on those who had once stood by Gachagua.
Perhaps the biggest surprise came from Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, who, despite his vocal defense of Gachagua during the debate, ultimately voted to uphold all five charges against the former DP.
Cherargei had earlier criticized the impeachment’s sponsor, Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, accusing him of presenting weak evidence, particularly regarding Gachagua’s alleged accumulation of wealth beyond his known income.
However, when the final vote came, Cherargei sided with the majority, contradicting his earlier position.
But it was Wamatinga’s vote that sent shockwaves through political circles.
Having risen to prominence under Gachagua’s mentorship, serving as chair of the Mathira Constituency Development Fund during Gachagua’s tenure as MP, Wamatinga’s loyalty to his former boss had seemed unwavering.
His abstention on two counts and support of three charges marked a clear departure from the political path he once shared with Gachagua.
This move followed a similar betrayal by Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, Gachagua’s successor in the constituency, who voted for his impeachment in the National Assembly.
Wamumbi’s vote was especially symbolic, given Gachagua’s strong endorsement of him during the 2022 elections and their previous close ties, including Gachagua acting as Wamumbi’s chief negotiator during his wedding dowry ceremony.
The impeachment vote revealed deeper rifts within the Mt. Kenya political elite, with other key figures from Nyeri County such as Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge and Othaya MP Michael Wanaina Wambugu also supporting Gachagua’s removal.
In stark contrast, Gachagua’s allies from Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Laikipia, and Murang’a counties stood by him, with senators like James Murango, Karungo Thang’wa, and Joe Nyutu voting against the charges.
Gachagua’s ousting has ignited debates about loyalty, power, and shifting alliances within Kenya’s political landscape.
His fall from grace, especially in his own Mt. Kenya region, raises questions about his political future and the forces that contributed to his downfall.
