Special Motion on DP Gachagua’s impeachment elicits intense debate in the House

𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒,
𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢 

Members of Parliament have rallied behind the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of abuse of office, divisiveness, and blatant disrespect toward Parliament and constitutional values.

Led by Kibwezi MP Hon. Mwengi Mutuse, the mover of the Special Motion, MPs expressed outrage at Gachagua’s alleged insults, which questioned their intelligence and accused them of signing the impeachment motion without reading it.

“Referring to Parliament as a 'theatre of the absurd' is a direct insult to our intelligence," Hon. Mutuse stated. 

“In my legal training, those who insult the jury deserve no mercy.”

He urged his colleagues to vote with their conscience, reminding them of their constitutional duty to safeguard the nation's interests above political considerations.

Rarieda MP Hon. (Dr.) Otiende Amollo described the impeachment as unprecedented but constitutionally justified, emphasizing that no one is above the law. 

“The Constitution stands above all, regardless of one’s position," Amollo remarked. 

He criticized the Deputy President’s "jingoism, self-entitlement, and disdain for government institutions" as reasons for his support of the motion.

Amollo stressed on the importance of anti-corruption laws, noting that they extend beyond individuals to their families. 

He pointed to evidence from former Kenya Supplies Medical Agency (KEMSA) acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Andrew Mulwa’s affidavit, which alleged that Gachagua had interfered in KEMSA procurement through phone calls aimed at covering up irregularities.

Seconding the motion, Kilifi North MP Hon. Owen Baya reinforced Amollo's concerns, recalling Gachagua's remarks where he referred to Parliament as a “house of ridicule.” 

Hon. Baya urged MPs to recognize the danger posed by a leader who disrupts the country's stability, likening the situation to a boat being rocked by a single individual. 

“It is our duty to remove this person from the boat for the safety of all,” Hon. Baya argued, adding that Kenya would be safer without Gachagua as Deputy President.

Nyandarua Woman Representative Hon. Faith Gitau also condemned Gachagua’s leadership style, calling it divisive and ego-centric. 

“For him, it's all about 'me, myself, and I.' It's unfortunate that he has lowered the dignity of such a high office,” said Hon. Gitau. 

She also expressed concern over Gachagua’s attitude toward women, stating that his behavior contradicts the promises made during the Kenya Kwanza campaigns to respect women in leadership.

Hon. George Murugara (Tharaka) weighed in on the ongoing discussion, highlighting that the recently concluded public participation exercise showed that the majority of Kenyans support the bid to oust Deputy President Gachagua.

"It is important to remind Kenyans that through the public participation that we did on Friday and Saturday, it was overwhelming that Kenyans were in approval of the motion, and therefore, we must respect their position," said Hon. Murugara.

Adding to the debate, Hon. Mishi Mboko (Likoni) criticized the Deputy President's conduct since taking office, stating that he has often acted in contradiction to the President.

"The way he has been carrying himself is not the way a principal assistant to the President is supposed to behave. When the President was addressing the nation on Gen-Z issues, he organized a parallel press conference in Mombasa. It's clear that he undermines his boss," said Hon. Mboko.