Censure motion filed in Senate against DP Gachagua over alleged divisive conduct

Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana has filed a censure motion in the Senate, accusing Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of engaging in divisive politics and breaching his constitutional obligations.

Mungatana, in his motion filed on Monday, claims the Deputy President has betrayed his oath of office by making remarks that fuel disunity and marginalise sections of the population.

The senator highlighted that under Article 260 of the Constitution, the Deputy President is classified as a State Officer. As such, his conduct must adhere to Article 75, which outlines the integrity and leadership expectations for state officers, as defined in the Leadership and Integrity Act.

Mungatana emphasised the importance of the role of the Deputy President, stating, "As the principal assistant to the President, the Deputy President is expected to be a symbol of national unity and to respect, uphold, and safeguard the Constitution."

He further noted that the officeholder is required to promote national unity and respect the country's diversity.

The senator raised concerns about several statements made by Gachagua since taking office. The remarks, he argued, pertained to issues such as public service employment opportunities, resource allocation to devolved units and allegedly inciting sections of the population to disregard lawful directives from county governments.

"These public utterances have not only marginalised certain communities but have also heightened tensions between different ethnic groups in Kenya," Mungatana's motion reads.

He added that the Deputy President's conduct appeared to contravene Article 75 of the Constitution, which demands integrity in leadership, and Article 10(2), which outlines national values and governance principles.

“Now therefore the Senate, pursuant to Standing Onder 101(1), expresses its displeasure and disappointment with the conduct of Hon. Rigathi Gachagua, EG.H., as the Deputy President of Kenya and censures him,” reads the motion.

Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana addresses congregants at Chelelelut, in the Rift Valley during a harambee for a local Catholic Church on May 4, 2024. (Photo: Danson Mungatana)

Embattled DP

The censure motion comes at a time when Gachagua is facing growing isolation, following allegations of an impeachment motion. The claims have further strained his relationship with his boss, with the DP responding by engaging more with voters through public rallies.

During an interview on Citizen TV last Friday, Gachagua disclosed that he had been removed from President William Ruto’s WhatsApp group diary, an action he said had complicated his work.

"I always align my diary with that of the President, all the time, and as long as I’m aware of that function, I align accordingly. Sometimes if I’m not aware, I’m unable to align because I also have my own programme," he said.

Gachagua, however, expressed hope of addressing the issue directly with the President in due time.

But Dennis Itumbi, the Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects in the Office of the President, later clarified that the group was deleted due to the leaking of highly classified information to unauthorised platforms.

Amid the tensions, the Deputy President has spoken out, claiming that his candidness and commitment to the people have made him a target.

"They say that I’m high-headed, that I’m too people-centred, and that I listen to people too much. I don’t think it’s a crime to listen to what Kenyans are saying," Gachagua said during the interview.

Gachagua further vowed to regularly update Kenyans on the inner workings of the government.

"In the next few weeks, I will be talking to my supporters, telling them what is going on, what is being planned, and what is likely to happen," he said, insisting on his responsibility to keep the public informed.

He also compared his current situation to that of President William Ruto during his tenure as Deputy President, saying, "What is happening to me now is worse than what happened to President Ruto when he was the second-in-command."

Over the weekend, Gachagua called on President Ruto to unite the Kenya Kwanza Alliance for the sake of the country’s development.

"I would like to ask our President to try and put his house in order so we can work for the citizens,” he said during a church in Thika, Kiambu County.

Meanwhile, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has refuted claims of an impeachment motion against Gachagua.

Speaking in Siaya County, Ichung’wah clarified that no MP had initiated the collection of signatures for such a move.

"As the Majority Leader, I can tell Kenyans there has never been any impeachment plans against him," he said.