NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has raised alarms over the potential fallout that could result from the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Speaking on Monday, NCIC Chairperson Samuel Kobia warned that the process could threaten national unity, particularly straining relations between different regions of the country.
Kobia expressed concern about the possibility of conflict arising between communities in the Mount Kenya region, where Gachagua hails from, and other parts of the country if the Senate endorses the National Assembly’s vote to impeach him.
Senators are scheduled to debate and vote on the motion on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
“Our major concern is that the way this process is shaping up could easily lead to conflicts between the people of the Mount Kenya area and people from other parts of the country,” Kobia said. “We urge the Senate to handle this matter with the utmost fairness so that all Kenyans feel the decision is lawful and just.”
The NCIC’s intervention comes as Gachagua faces an array of serious charges—11 in total—that include gross violations of the Constitution, insubordination, promoting ethnic divisions, and undermining both President William Ruto and devolution.
The charges were brought forward by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, and after a heated debate, the National Assembly voted 281 to 44 in favor of the impeachment. Only 233 votes were needed for the motion to pass.
Among the accusations, one particular charge has caught the attention of the NCIC: Gachagua is accused of threatening national cohesion, a matter Kobia said the commission would closely monitor.
Despite the overwhelming vote in the National Assembly, Gachagua has denied all allegations.
He remains defiant, expressing confidence in the Senate’s ability to evaluate the situation impartially.
“I trust that the legislators will reflect deeply, apply their conscience, and make the right decision,” Gachagua said during his defense before the vote.
The Senate’s decision could have far-reaching consequences not only for Gachagua’s political career but also for the country’s stability. Should the Senate uphold the impeachment, Gachagua will be officially removed from office, a dramatic downfall for one of President Ruto’s closest political allies.
Speaking on Monday, NCIC Chairperson Samuel Kobia warned that the process could threaten national unity, particularly straining relations between different regions of the country.
Kobia expressed concern about the possibility of conflict arising between communities in the Mount Kenya region, where Gachagua hails from, and other parts of the country if the Senate endorses the National Assembly’s vote to impeach him.
Senators are scheduled to debate and vote on the motion on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
“Our major concern is that the way this process is shaping up could easily lead to conflicts between the people of the Mount Kenya area and people from other parts of the country,” Kobia said. “We urge the Senate to handle this matter with the utmost fairness so that all Kenyans feel the decision is lawful and just.”
The NCIC’s intervention comes as Gachagua faces an array of serious charges—11 in total—that include gross violations of the Constitution, insubordination, promoting ethnic divisions, and undermining both President William Ruto and devolution.
The charges were brought forward by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, and after a heated debate, the National Assembly voted 281 to 44 in favor of the impeachment. Only 233 votes were needed for the motion to pass.
Among the accusations, one particular charge has caught the attention of the NCIC: Gachagua is accused of threatening national cohesion, a matter Kobia said the commission would closely monitor.
Despite the overwhelming vote in the National Assembly, Gachagua has denied all allegations.
He remains defiant, expressing confidence in the Senate’s ability to evaluate the situation impartially.
“I trust that the legislators will reflect deeply, apply their conscience, and make the right decision,” Gachagua said during his defense before the vote.
The Senate’s decision could have far-reaching consequences not only for Gachagua’s political career but also for the country’s stability. Should the Senate uphold the impeachment, Gachagua will be officially removed from office, a dramatic downfall for one of President Ruto’s closest political allies.
