Impeachment motion against Gachagua a distraction from key issues, MP Wamuchomba claims

The impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is being used as a distraction from pressing governmental issues, Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba now claims.

In an interview on Monday, Wamuchomba said that the government is using Gachagua as a "sacrificial lamb" to divert public attention from contentious matters, such as the controversial Adani takeover of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Wamuchomba argued that the government is reluctant to acknowledge its failures in fulfilling its promises and has resorted to making unfounded accusations against the Deputy President.

"We are being kept busy with Gachagua's impeachment so that the Adani deal sails through, the [Social Health Insurance Fund] SHIF transition, with all the irregularities to pass. We are being diverted from key issues in this country," she said during her appearance on Citizen TV.

The MP termed the accusations against the DP as “flimsy excuses” lacking substantial justification.

“They are looking for someone to blame. Look at the grounds they are bringing. They are all flimsy excuses without any solid reasoning. Somebody is very worried that the GenZs have gone calm and they will erupt again because the issues that took them to the streets have not been addressed,” she said.

Neglecting crucial issues

Wamuchomba further expressed concern that lawmakers are neglecting crucial issues facing their constituents, instead opting to strategise in private meetings about how to remove Gachagua.

“Does it mean that MPs have nothing else to do other than parade themselves in hotels every night to scheme how to remove one person? Every community in parliament has been going to hotels in cocoons of 10, 20 people,” she said.

Among the allegations against Gachagua is a violation of Article 10, with his accusers claiming that his public statements have been inciteful and capable of promoting ethnic animosity.

Wamuchomba criticised the accusations, noting that supporting his home region of Mt. Kenya does not make Gachagua a tribalist.

“Gachagua is not the first to defend Mt. Kenya region. Uhuru Kenyatta defended the region fiercely for 10 years. Why didn't you say that he is a tribalist?” she posed.

The impeachment motion, confirmed by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, is set to be tabled on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

For the motion to pass, it requires the support of 233 MPs, with reports indicating that as of Sunday evening, 302 members of parliament had signed in favour of it.

Additional accusations against DP Gachagua include violations of Articles 147, 148, 174, 186, and 189, which pertain to his conduct and responsibilities as the principal assistant to the President.

He is also accused of unlawfully acquiring assets using taxpayers' money, with properties reportedly located in Nyeri, Nairobi, and Kilifi counties.

If the motion is successful, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula will inform Senate Speaker Amason Kingi of the resolution within two days for further action.