DP Gachagua could be on his way out as 291 MPs sign impeachment motion against him

An impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been formally tabled in Parliament, signaling the start of the impeachment process.

Gachagua’s days could be numbered after Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse formally tabled his impeachment motion in Parliament, citing that the grounds are concrete enough to kick him out of office.

Mutuse accused Gachagua of eleven violations, including breaches of the constitution, corruption, and incitement.

He presented the names of 291 MPs supporting the motion, a number that surpassed the required 117 signatures to meet the constitutional threshold. Speaker Moses Wetangula confirmed that the motion met all the necessary criteria for the impeachment process to proceed.

“I want to make it clear to this House and to Kenyans that I have no malice, no ill-will, and no personal vendetta against the Deputy President. I am simply fulfilling my duty as a citizen and Member of Parliament.” Mutuse said during the session this afternoon.

“Article 145 (1) of the Constitution provides that a member of the National Assembly supported by at least a third of all the members may move a motion for impeachment of the president or deputy on the grounds of gross violation of the constitution. Having examined the special motion by Kibwezi West MP, I find that the special motion meets the requirement relating to threshold set out in the Constitution. I have also satisfied myself that the number of members who have appended their signatures in support of the special motion exceed the minimum threshold of 117 members in this House. Speaker Wetangula stated.

While tabling the motion, MP Mutuse noted that the DP’s conduct in the past two years violated the oath he took to assume office.

“The motion contains 11 grounds for impeachment. In compliance with the law, the grounds are concise, precise are particularized in the motion and are supported by convincing, persuasive materials in the nature of documents, affidavits and electronic evidence.” Mutuse said adding that he will also be presenting witnesses.

However, a handful of MPs opposed the motion saying it is ill-intentioned and lacks the requisite grounds among them Nyali MP Mohamed Ali, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya and Marakwet West Member of Parliament Timothy Kipchumba among others.

On her part, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba and an ardent supporter of the DP claimed that she had ‘listened to the ground’ and that if the time to vote came, she would vote against the impeachment motion.

“In regards to the planned impeachment of the deputy resident Rigathi Gachagua; this is to categorically state that in the event MPs have to vote, I have keenly listened to the ground and I will not vote Yes to the motion. I will vote No,” Wamuchomba stated.

At the same time, MPs backing Gachagua’s ouster called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to enhance their security as the process kicks off.

 The motion, which is seen as a historic and high-stakes political exercise, has led to concerns about the safety of the 291 MPs who have signed in support.

National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed stressed the importance of securing the MPs involved in the motion, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

“This is a very momentous issue.” Junet said, noting that Article 150 of the constitution, which allows for the impeachment of the Deputy President, has never been exercised before in Kenya’s history.

He urged Speaker Moses Wetangula to guarantee the safety and security of all MPs supporting the motion, not only during parliamentary sessions but also at their homes.

“We want those 291 members of Parliament to turn up on the day of voting without anyone missing. The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kanja, must take responsibility to guarantee the security of these members.” Junet added.

Dadaab MP Farah Maalim, echoed JUnet’s concerns, urging the security forces to go beyond just protecting MPs, emphasizing that the president’s security is also of paramount importance during this period.

“Any reckless thug could attempt to alter the course of history, and we must ensure that our president is protected.” Maalim warned.

He expressed fear that individuals could exploit the current political environment for harmful purposes.

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah also voiced strong concerns, referencing a prior incident on June 25 during anti-government protests in which Speaker Wetang’ula was allegedly a target for elimination due to his position in the political hierarchy.

“We are not dealing with an ordinary matter. These are serious concerns. There are threats circulating on social media, and we must take them seriously.” Ichung’wah said.