NAIROBI, Kenya – A section of People With Disabilities (PWDs) has urged President William Ruto to step in and address the escalating political tensions surrounding the proposed impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The ongoing public participation process has sparked mixed reactions across the country, with some backing Gachagua’s removal while others have expressed strong support for him.
The debate has taken a volatile turn in some areas, with instances of public outrage.
In several counties, residents destroyed the participation forms, and in a high-profile incident at the Bomas of Kenya, activist Morara Kebaso was attacked by unknown individuals, highlighting the growing tension.
This unrest has alarmed the PWD community, who fear the political strife could undermine national peace and stability.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, North Eastern chapter chairman Hafid Maalim called for dialogue and condemned the divisive politics that are beginning to take root.
“As PWDs, we are deeply concerned by the rising tensions. Our community often bears the brunt of instability, and what we are seeing could easily escalate into broader conflicts between communities,” Maalim said.
He urged the public and leaders alike to reflect on the lessons from past protests, particularly those led by the youth, which led to unrest.
Maalim further appealed to President Ruto to intervene and halt the impeachment proceedings, arguing that Kenyans are not interested in the removal of the Deputy President.
“The president must break his silence and reconcile with his deputy. Impeachment is not a priority for the Kenyan people right now,” he emphasized.
Echoing these concerns, Garissa PWD chapter chairman Adan Bille stressed that the country has more pressing issues that need attention, including economic instability and confusion over the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
He also pointed out that controversies like the potential takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Adani Group have been overshadowed by the impeachment debate.
“We are being distracted by these political battles while major national issues remain unresolved. Our focus should be on economic recovery and social reforms, not removing the Deputy President,” Bille remarked.
President Ruto has so far remained silent on the matter, despite growing calls from various quarters, including religious leaders, to end the impeachment process.
On Thursday, a group of clergy issued a statement urging political leaders to prioritize the fight against corruption over internal power struggles.
“This impeachment debate is a distraction from critical issues like corruption, which need to be tackled to ensure Kenya’s stability and development,” the statement read.
The ongoing public participation process has sparked mixed reactions across the country, with some backing Gachagua’s removal while others have expressed strong support for him.
The debate has taken a volatile turn in some areas, with instances of public outrage.
In several counties, residents destroyed the participation forms, and in a high-profile incident at the Bomas of Kenya, activist Morara Kebaso was attacked by unknown individuals, highlighting the growing tension.
This unrest has alarmed the PWD community, who fear the political strife could undermine national peace and stability.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, North Eastern chapter chairman Hafid Maalim called for dialogue and condemned the divisive politics that are beginning to take root.
“As PWDs, we are deeply concerned by the rising tensions. Our community often bears the brunt of instability, and what we are seeing could easily escalate into broader conflicts between communities,” Maalim said.
He urged the public and leaders alike to reflect on the lessons from past protests, particularly those led by the youth, which led to unrest.
Maalim further appealed to President Ruto to intervene and halt the impeachment proceedings, arguing that Kenyans are not interested in the removal of the Deputy President.
“The president must break his silence and reconcile with his deputy. Impeachment is not a priority for the Kenyan people right now,” he emphasized.
Echoing these concerns, Garissa PWD chapter chairman Adan Bille stressed that the country has more pressing issues that need attention, including economic instability and confusion over the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
He also pointed out that controversies like the potential takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Adani Group have been overshadowed by the impeachment debate.
“We are being distracted by these political battles while major national issues remain unresolved. Our focus should be on economic recovery and social reforms, not removing the Deputy President,” Bille remarked.
President Ruto has so far remained silent on the matter, despite growing calls from various quarters, including religious leaders, to end the impeachment process.
On Thursday, a group of clergy issued a statement urging political leaders to prioritize the fight against corruption over internal power struggles.
“This impeachment debate is a distraction from critical issues like corruption, which need to be tackled to ensure Kenya’s stability and development,” the statement read.
