41 per cent of Kenyans support Gachagua’s impeachment - Tifa poll

A research by TIFA has revealed that 41 per cent of Kenyans support the ongoing push to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office, while 38 per cent are against the move.

The survey indicates that ethnic discrimination and hate speech are the leading reasons cited by 35 per cent of those in favour of his impeachment while on the other hand, 36 per cent believe that Gachagua is being unfairly targeted.

The research, conducted between October 1 and October 4, 2024, surveyed 1,892 respondents aged 18 and above through telephonic interviews. The sample was proportionately distributed across counties, and the poll has a margin of error of +/- 2.25 per cent.

“It is important to note that the data was gathered before the two days of public participation began on October 4. The Clerk’s office of the National Assembly will announce the results of this process once all feedback forms submitted by the public have been collated,” reads the research.

Regional differences in opinion were evident, with 69 per cent of Mt. Kenya residents opposing the impeachment, compared to 20 per cent who support it. In other regions, 47 per cent expressed support for the move, while 28 per cent were against it.

Reasons of supporting impeachment

Beyond ethnic discrimination and hate speech, 20 per cent of Kenyans backing the impeachment also cited Gachagua's poor performance, bad leadership, and unfulfilled promises.

Another 13 per cent mentioned corruption and abuse of office, while 12 per cent argued he should be impeached due to disagreements with President William Ruto.

Two per cent pointed to conflicts with other UDA leaders, and one per cent said he should go for supporting the Gen-Z protests. Meanwhile, 17 per cent remained undecided.

Among those opposing the impeachment, 18 per cent praised Gachagua's leadership, saying he is performing well and is honest. Additionally, 15 per cent argued that both Gachagua and President Ruto should complete their term together, while seven per cent felt both leaders should be impeached.

Six per cent believed Gachagua should be forgiven and given a second chance.

The poll also found that four per cent of respondents felt there was no clear reason for the impeachment, with another four per cent fearing it would affect national stability.

“Three per cent felt the process was a distraction from key national issues,” reads the research.

Deputy President Gachagua is scheduled to appear before Parliament on October 8, 2024, either in person or through legal representation, to defend himself against the impeachment motion.

A morning and early afternoon session will be held on Tuesday to consider the motion.

Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, who initiated the motion, presented 11 charges for Gachagua’s removal from office, including gross violations of the Constitution, misconduct, breaches of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, as well as the Leadership and Integrity Act.

A total of 291 Members of Parliament have placed Gachagua on the cross, backing the motion to impeach him.