Mixed reactions as Kenyans weigh in on DP Gachagua's impeachment

The motion to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sparked a myriad of reactions from Kenyans, some of whom have questioned the need for his ousting, while others have expressed support or shared entirely different views.

A spot check conducted among random individuals along General Waruinge and Waudo Streets in Eastleigh, ahead of a planned nationwide public participation exercise scheduled for this Friday at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) for Nairobi residents, revealed the following:

Erastus Bundi, a trader, stated that the planned impeachment would not help the country overcome its current challenges. He instead called on both the President and his Deputy to engage in dialogue.

"Let them sit down and talk, or let religious leaders mediate since, as it stands, you can’t be sure the process will be transparent. We’ll have to wait and see. His removal might be inconsequential due to the divide in the Mt Kenya region, but there might be some chaos," he said.

Charles Mutuku, a boda boda rider, likened the impeachment plans to shaking the foundation of a house or when a father fails to lead his family effectively.

"Both should go, as they’ve lost the trust of Kenyans by turning the country into a den of thieves. You know, when a father is strong, the family follows, but when the core is shaken, everyone suffers. There’s no government here. They don’t know how to lead, which is not something you joke about," he said.

Simon, a textbook seller, opined that the Deputy President should not be impeached for allegedly defending his region, as charity begins at home.

"They claim he’s being tribal, but I see nothing wrong with him defending Kenyans, especially the people of Mt Kenya," he said, adding that Gachagua must be given a chance to defend himself next Tuesday.

"He deserves to defend himself; they might see reason in what he says. In the meantime, attempts should be made to mediate the current stalemate between him and the President. I believe the impact of a successful impeachment will be a loss of trust in the presidency. Will the President be left alone, yet they were elected as a team? That will be problematic in my view," he added.

Moses Sagara, another boda boda rider, wants the motion to proceed. "He should have left already. They don’t even need to come to me for my views. It’s obvious, he messed up," he claimed.

Reuben Ombacho echoed these sentiments, stating that Gachagua has served his time as Deputy President.

"He should go. His comments about shareholding annoyed me, and it seems his shares are now finished. He should leave the seat. His remarks about Mt Kenya being untouchable were off; we also have Mt Elgon, and we don’t boast about it," Ombacho said.

Lucy Ndunge, a casual labourer, urged those involved in the motion to let Gachagua finish his term.

"They should let him stay, he’s not the problem. The issue is his boss; he should be the one to go. Each should carry their own cross. May God stand with him between now and Tuesday so that an intervention happens, and he can continue with his work. The good thing about Gachagua is that he speaks the truth, while his boss is used to shortcuts," she said.

Teresia Mwongeli, also a casual labourer, shared similar sentiments and criticised the lack of jobs despite promises made by the Kenya Kwanza administration to Mama Mboga during its vote hunt two years ago.

"I don’t see anything wrong with Gachagua. His boss is the problem. Unfortunately, both can’t go. Ruto promised us (Mama Mboga) jobs, but the situation hasn’t changed," she lamented.

Rhoda Chepkirui, on her part, expressed disdain for the current regime.

"I didn’t vote for Ruto; I stood with Baba (former Prime Minister Raila Odinga) until the end," she said, adding that if one should go, then both are unfit for office.

The National Assembly has announced venues for the public participation exercise across all 47 counties, with Speaker Moses Wetang'ula noting that public participation is integral to the process of removing an elected State Officer from office.

"The House Business Committee has approved a programme for public participation exercises across the country, to be coordinated from the 47 counties on 4th October 2024," said the Speaker.

Consequently, all parliamentary activities previously scheduled between Thursday and Monday, 7th October, remain suspended to allow the exercise to take place.

"Standing Order 68 provides that a motion for the removal of a person from office takes precedence over all other business on the order paper," he explained.

The Speaker also confirmed that, in accordance with the requirements of Articles 47 and 50 of the Constitution and Standing Order 67, the Deputy President will be given an opportunity to appear before the House and defend himself, either in person or through legal representation.

"The Deputy President shall be notified of his right to appear before the House on Tuesday, 8th October 2024, between 5 pm and 7 pm," Wetang'ula stated.

"I don't see anything wrong with Gachagua, his boss is the problem. Unfortunately, both can't go, Ruto promised us (mama mbogas) jobs but the situation hasn't changed," she said.

On her part, Rhoda Chepkirui expressed disdain for the ruling regime. "I did not vote for Ruto, I stood with baba (former Prime Minister Raila Odinga) till the end," she said adding that both remain unfit for office.

The National Assembly has announced venues for the Friday Public participation exercise across the 47 counties with Speaker Moses Wetang'ula noting that public participation is an integral element of the process of removal of an elected State Officer from office.

"The House Business Committee has approved a program of public participation exercise across the country to be coordinated from 47 counties on October 4, 2024," said the Speaker.

Consequently, all parliamentary activities previously scheduled between Thursday and Monday, October 7, remain suspended to pave the way for the exercise.

"Standing Order 68 provides that a motion for the removal of a person from office takes precedence over all other business in the order paper," he explained.

The Speaker, at the same time, confirmed that in accordance with requirements of articles 47 and 50 of the Constitution and Standing Order 67, the Deputy President will be given an opportunity to appear before the House and defend himself in person or through a legal representative.

"The Deputy President shall be notified of his right to appear before the House on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, and the allocation of time between 5 pm and 7 pm," Wetang'ula said.