NAIROBI, Kenya – Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is facing his toughest political challenge yet, as Members of Parliament signal that they will not back down from their impeachment bid, even if President William Ruto attempts to intervene.
With the impeachment motion set to be tabled as early as tomorrow, lawmakers from across the political divide are determined to see the process through.
Despite President Ruto’s potential efforts to dissuade his allies from supporting the ouster, MPs insist that the matter is beyond the Head of State’s control.
National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro made it clear that MPs are firm in their resolve.
“We respect the President, but on this one, it will take a miracle to convince over 300 MPs to change their stance. If he asks us to stop, we will request him to accept our proposal for broader representation in the Deputy Presidency. Gachagua must go,” Osoro said in an interview.
Other lawmakers echoed these sentiments, urging the President to respect Parliament’s independence.
Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge pointed out that the legislative process must be allowed to proceed without interference.
“If the President could interfere with impeachments, former governors like Mike Sonko and Ferdinand Waititu would still be in office. The President has no authority to prevent this impeachment,” Mathenge remarked.
Mount Kenya lawmakers, who have been the most vocal about Gachagua’s removal, are particularly keen to see the process completed swiftly.
They argue that Gachagua’s divisive politics and alleged tribalism have alienated key political players and regions, jeopardizing the unity of the government.
During a service in Sagana, several MPs from the region called for the President to select a new Deputy President from Mount Kenya once the impeachment is finalized.
“We are ready for change,” said Bahati MP Irene Njoki. “If Gachagua feels uncomfortable, he should leave instead of dragging the entire region down with him.”
The mounting pressure comes amid speculation that Gachagua’s influence in the Mount Kenya region could be a threat to some MPs’ political futures.
There are fears that without the Deputy President’s removal, he may consolidate more power ahead of the 2027 elections, potentially edging out rivals within the region.
Despite the public show of defiance, some MPs are reportedly taking a more cautious approach, wary of angering constituents who remain loyal to Gachagua.
This has raised concerns that a last-minute retreat could derail the impeachment vote.
However, Murang’a Women Representative Betty Maina dismissed such hesitation, arguing that the DP’s downfall is already set in motion.
“We have finished Gachagua’s affairs. He will be going home express,” she confidently declared.
With the impeachment motion set to be tabled as early as tomorrow, lawmakers from across the political divide are determined to see the process through.
Despite President Ruto’s potential efforts to dissuade his allies from supporting the ouster, MPs insist that the matter is beyond the Head of State’s control.
National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro made it clear that MPs are firm in their resolve.
“We respect the President, but on this one, it will take a miracle to convince over 300 MPs to change their stance. If he asks us to stop, we will request him to accept our proposal for broader representation in the Deputy Presidency. Gachagua must go,” Osoro said in an interview.
Other lawmakers echoed these sentiments, urging the President to respect Parliament’s independence.
Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge pointed out that the legislative process must be allowed to proceed without interference.
“If the President could interfere with impeachments, former governors like Mike Sonko and Ferdinand Waititu would still be in office. The President has no authority to prevent this impeachment,” Mathenge remarked.
Mount Kenya lawmakers, who have been the most vocal about Gachagua’s removal, are particularly keen to see the process completed swiftly.
They argue that Gachagua’s divisive politics and alleged tribalism have alienated key political players and regions, jeopardizing the unity of the government.
During a service in Sagana, several MPs from the region called for the President to select a new Deputy President from Mount Kenya once the impeachment is finalized.
“We are ready for change,” said Bahati MP Irene Njoki. “If Gachagua feels uncomfortable, he should leave instead of dragging the entire region down with him.”
The mounting pressure comes amid speculation that Gachagua’s influence in the Mount Kenya region could be a threat to some MPs’ political futures.
There are fears that without the Deputy President’s removal, he may consolidate more power ahead of the 2027 elections, potentially edging out rivals within the region.
Despite the public show of defiance, some MPs are reportedly taking a more cautious approach, wary of angering constituents who remain loyal to Gachagua.
This has raised concerns that a last-minute retreat could derail the impeachment vote.
However, Murang’a Women Representative Betty Maina dismissed such hesitation, arguing that the DP’s downfall is already set in motion.
“We have finished Gachagua’s affairs. He will be going home express,” she confidently declared.
