11 reasons why Deputy President Gachagua should 'go home' - Kibwezi West MP

Kibwezi West Member of Parliament Mwengi Mutuse has initiated a motion in Parliament seeking the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, citing numerous constitutional violations and misconduct.

The motion has been backed by 291 Members of Parliament, and Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has confirmed that all 11 grounds presented meet the constitutional threshold for impeachment.

During the session on Tuesday, Mutuse outlined the detailed charges, accusing Gachagua of both omission and commission of offences under Kenyan law, international law, and the country's Constitution.

"The Constitution of the Republic of Kenya is not just a document, it speaks to the soul of this nation," Mutuse said.

He highlighted that Gachagua has allegedly violated several articles of the Constitution, including Articles 6(2), 10(2)(a), 174, 186(1), 189(1), 160(1), and the 4th Schedule. Additionally, he cited violations of Article 3(1), which he argued Gachagua had grossly breached, alongside Article 148(5)(a).

Mutuse also accused the Deputy President of violating the National Cohesion and Integration Act, presenting evidence such as affidavits, documents, and videos to support the claims.

“I will demonstrate with videos, affidavits and documents that the man holding the office of the Deputy President has violated the same law that he swore to protect in his oath of office," he said.

“In compliance with the law, the grounds are concise, precise, particularised in the motion and are supported by convincing, persuasive evidentiary material in the nature of documents, affidavits and electronic evidence. I will also be presenting witnesses who will testify to corroborate the evidence that we have adduced in support of the grounds of impeachment.”

Furthermore, Mutuse alleged that Gachagua had used his position to acquire wealth unlawfully, citing the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act. He claimed that within two years, Gachagua's assets had grown to over Sh5.2 billion, despite his earlier declaration during the presidential debate that he was worth Sh800 million.

“He is paid slightly over Sh1 million per month, meaning that for the last two years, the much he could have accumulated justly is about Sh24 million," Mutuse argued, labelling the remainder as "unexplained assets."

Mutuse also accused Gachagua of offences under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, the Penal Code, and the Leadership and Integrity Act.

He further described the Deputy President as a bully who disrespects public officials and the office he holds.

The motion for impeachment includes allegations of gross misconduct and insubordination, with Mutuse stating that Gachagua has “insubordinated the presidency and the Kenyan state.”

While tabling the motion, Mutuse emphasised that his actions were not motivated by personal animosity.

“I have no grudge, malice, ill will, or any personal vendetta against Gachagua. I am just doing my duty as a citizen of the Republic of Kenya and executing my mandate as a member of this House to bring this motion,” he said.

Among the MPs who appended signatures for Gacahagua's impeachment include his home town MP Eric Mwangi (Mathira), Kimani Ichung'wah (Majority leader of National Assembly), Junet Mohamed (Minority leader of National Assembly), Otiende Amollo, Millie Odhiambo and other MPs. The constitution required the mover to garner at least 117 members to have the motion sail through.

Parliament is expected to proceed with the debate on the impeachment of the Deputy President following the Speaker's approval of the motion.