Report: Public participation reveals strong support for Gachagua's ouster

As the National Assembly prepares to decide on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's political future, a recent public participation exercise indicates that a significant number of Kenyans who participated in it support the motion for his impeachment.

A document presented in the National Assembly on Tuesday by Suba South MP Millie Odhiambo, who is also the Minority Whip, revealed that out of 116,269 Kenyans who participated, 65.1 per cent favoured Gachagua's ouster, while 33.81 per cent opposed it.

"Over 200,000 responses were received... and 1.09 per cent offered neutral or alternative views," she said.

Despite the overwhelming support, public participation faced challenges.

Odhimabo noted that there was political interference at public forums such as the Bomas of Kenya and in Murang'a. Violent disruptions were also reported in areas like Ol Kalou, Kipipiri, and Nyeri town.

The ODM lawmaker also pointed out that some submissions were incomplete or unclear, with some forms lacking identifying information or containing contradictory responses.

The report said that nine constituencies voted unanimously in favour of Gachagua's impeachment. These included Balambala with 313 votes, Daadab with 305, Mandera South (102) and Mumias West (503).

Conversely, several constituencies demonstrated strong opposition, with high percentages of support for Gachagua in Mathira (97 per cent) and Gilgil (97 per cent).

However, a discrepancy arose regarding participation numbers in Keiyo South, where the document indicated 43 participants, yet claimed 70 supported the impeachment, raising questions about the accuracy of the data. Parliament referred to this as a clerical error.

The public participation, held on October 4 and 5, 2024, also saw Kenyans expressing frustration at the government's focus on impeachment rather than addressing pressing issues affecting the populace.

The deputy president is Tuesday afternoon set to defend himself in the House against 11 charges, which include gross misconduct, violation of the Constitution and corruption.

He has engaged a team of 20 advocates, including senior counsel, to assist in his defence, both in Parliament and in court.

Despite mounting pressure, Gachagua has firmly stated he will not resign.

"I will get justice and carry out my duties as DP. Anybody sending me messages to resign is a joker. I have done nothing wrong to Kenyans," he asserted during a press conference from his residence in Karen on Monday evening.

The embattled DP also vowed to challenge the public participation process conducted last week for his impeachment, declaring it a nullity.

Gachagua said that the public participation conducted over the weekend did not meet the standards set by the Supreme Court in the impeachment case against former Embu governor Martin Wambora.

"The rules of natural justice demand that no man should be condemned without a fair process. My lawyers will vigorously challenge this public participation as a nullity that fails to meet the necessary threshold," he asserted and confirmed that he will be in Parliament on Tuesday to defend himself.

The deputy president also criticised the exercise as a mere charade, claiming that the legal jargon used prevented the public from engaging meaningfully and making informed decisions.

"The people of Kenya were being asked to give their views on whether I should be impeached (or not), but the accusations were presented in highly legalistic language beyond the comprehension of many," Gachagua said.