Gachagua's impeachment: Tension, protests mar public participation exercises countrywide

A section of Kenyans across the country on Friday took part in the public participation exercises regarding the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The exercises have ignited strong emotions and divided opinions among citizens. While some residents took to the streets in support of Gachagua, others voiced their contempt for his actions, resulting in chaotic scenes at various venues.

In Nairobi, tensions escalated during the public participation at Bomas, where supporters and opponents of Gachagua clashed violently.

The scene erupted into chaos as rival groups chanted slogans like "Ruto must go" and "Gachagua must go." Punches were thrown, and chairs were hurled amidst the confusion.

The turmoil intensified with the arrival of activist lawyer Kebaso Morara, who was swiftly attacked by a group of attendees.

Security personnel intervened, ejecting Morara and restoring calm, but the atmosphere remained charged as the public participation continued.

Participant to Members of Parliament: Today you acknowledge Kenyans because you have your own issues. If it weren't for the impeachment, you wouldn't be reaching out to us.

🎥: CITIZEN TV pic.twitter.com/HbyLyTcMMn

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) October 4, 2024

On Friday, the streets of Nyeri town were filled with mixed emotions as residents protested the impeachment motion against the former Mathira MP.

Chanting slogans like "No Rigathi, No Ruto," they raised their fists in solidarity.

Their chants took on a sharper edge, echoing sentiments of solidarity and dissent: "Kufa dereva, Kufa makanga," implying that if Gachagua fell, so should his boss, President William Ruto.

The protestors broke into song and dance, showcasing their strong support for the Deputy President as public participation exercise took place in other regions.

In Kisumu, residents gathered at Tom Mboya Labour College, displaying a divide in opinions regarding the impeachment motion.

Linda Ogweno expressed her opposition to the motion, calling it a witch-hunt and urging focus on pressing national issues instead.

"I am disappointed in the DP and his boss; I would have supported this motion if all of them were on the chopping board," she said, emphasising her view that Gachagua was being politically persecuted.

In contrast, businessman Israel Agina voiced his support for Gachagua's impeachment, citing the Deputy President's controversial remarks.

"My support for his impeachment stems from his shareholding remarks. This country is ours," he stated.

Meanwhile, in Nakuru, doubt about the public participation process grew, with residents questioning the integrity of the feedback mechanisms in place.

One resident noted the lack of serial numbers on photocopied forms, expressing concern about whether their voices would truly be heard.

Further demonstrations erupted in Kakamega, where residents gathered at Magharibi Hall.

A split crowd exhibited mixed reactions, with some participants raising their hands to speak while others chanted anti-Ruto slogans, creating a heated atmosphere.

Some residents of Kakamega chant anti-Ruto slogans during public participation for the impeachment process of DP Gachagua

🎥: STANDARD pic.twitter.com/Yp4qmZq2Gx

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) October 4, 2024

Similarly, Nyahururu residents blocked a major highway, lighting bonfires and barricading roads in their show of support for Gachagua, chanting "No Rigathi, no Ruto."

Despite police efforts to disperse the crowds, protestors vowed to continue their demonstrations until the public participation exercise was halted.

Baringo resident: I can't append my signature because anything could happen at any moment... We will not also interfere with the 'marriage' of Ruto and Gachagua. If we must dissolve the 'marriage', both need to go!

🎥: MUTEMBEI TV pic.twitter.com/QTC5yY6wTE

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) October 4, 2024

The High Court ordered a second round of public participation to ensure that all Kenyans could voice their opinions on the impeachment motion.

Justice Richard Mwongo emphasised that the process must be transparent, inclusive, and comprehensible for the public.

The motion, initiated by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, alleges 11 violations against Gachagua, including gross misconduct and undermining the President.

The public participation events are set for October 4 and 5, 2024, with a hearing scheduled for October 8, 2024, where Gachagua will defend himself against the accusations.

As the nation grapples with these unfolding events, the atmosphere remains tense, with the future of DP Gachagua hanging in the balance.