Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on his supporters to remain peaceful as the country awaits the court’s ruling on his impeachment tomorrow, October 31, 2024 by a three judge bench that would either give him a lifeline by extending the conservatory orders for him to remain in office or to pave way for the swearing in of DP designate and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.
Kindiki is yet to resign from his current position despite having been appointed as DP by president William Ruto and his nomination given a clean bill of health through a National Assembly approval vote.
Today, while addressing mourners at a funeral service in Limuru, Kiambu county, Gachagua expressed confidence that the courts will overturn the decision by Members of Parliament to remove him from office, but emphasised that he will accept the ruling even if it does not go in his favour.
“We have faith that our Judiciary will protect and uphold the Constitution of Kenya, exercising fairness and delivering justice to Rigathi Gachagua and his supporters.” Gachagua stated.
“Regardless of the outcome of the court process, let our people remain peaceful and focus on building our country. A time will come for us to speak.” He added.
He asserted that his record in office speaks for itself. Should he move on from the position of Deputy President, he urged the current administration not to allow the programmes he initiated to come to a halt.
“You may try to push Rigathi Gachagua around, but please allow the work he has done for the past two years in support of the boy child to continue,” he said, appearing prepared for whatever may come. “Leaders come and go.” The embattled DP said.
Gachagua also reiterated that he has significant support in the Mt. Kenya region and argued that the absence of protests following his impeachment should not be interpreted as a lack of popularity.
He stated that his supporters are peaceful and will remain so, but when the time is right, they will voice their opinions on the matter.
“Kuna watu walikuwa wanasema Rigathi Gachagua hana wafuasi Mlima Kenya. Eti mbona watu hawatoki kwa barabara, hawaakishi moto na hawapigi kelele (baada ya impeachment)? Hiyo si tabia yetu. Sisi tunaona na tunanyamaza. Kuna siku tutafanya vile inatakikana.” Hee said.
“I want to ask for peace, especially from my people in the Mt. Kenya region. Please remain peaceful. Love one another. Stay well with all other regions and communities; they have not wronged us. They are our friends, and Kenya is bigger than all of us. We only have one Kenya.” He added.
He further argued that many MPs from the Mt. Kenya region who supported his impeachment have become unpopular with their constituents.
“Wajumbe siku hizi hamupewi nafasi ya kuzungumza (mbele ya watu) kwa sababu ile mambo mlifanya pale Bunge imekasirisha raia.” He added.