10 Reasons MPs Want DP Gachagua Out
The Deputy President of Kenya, Rigathi Gachagua, is facing a crucial turning point as the impeachment motion prepared by Kibwezi West MP Eckomas Mwengi will be tabled before Parliament this Tuesday afternoon. The motion lays out ten serious charges against the DP, threatening his tenure and bringing to light the simmering tensions within the Kenya Kwanza administration just two years after assuming office.
1. Inciteful Remarks Stirring Ethnic Tensions:
Gachagua has been accused of making statements that have divided Kenyans along ethnic lines, violating national unity. The MP referenced controversial comments made in Kajiado in 2023 where Gachagua referred to the “government of Kenya as a company with shareholders,” sparking widespread criticism for fanning ethnic divisions.
2. Undermining President Ruto and Cabinet Decisions:
Gachagua has been charged with contradicting the government’s policies, particularly his opposition to the Nairobi River Riparian Evacuation orders, which were sanctioned by the Cabinet. This defiance paints a picture of a Deputy President at odds with his boss and the government’s agenda.
3. Interfering with Nairobi County’s Leadership:
The DP is accused of undermining devolution and the leadership of Nairobi City County by inciting resistance against the relocation of Wakulima traders to Kangundo market. Such interference is seen as a direct assault on the autonomy and integrity of county governance.
4. Attacks on Lady Justice Esther Maina:
Gachagua’s public attacks against Lady Justice Esther Maina, following her ruling against him in a case involving the forfeiture of Ksh.200 million, are cited as an attempt to intimidate the judiciary. This behavior is viewed as an impeachable offence that threatens the independence of Kenya’s judicial system.
5. Violating the Oath of Office:
The Deputy President is accused of breaching his oath to uphold, protect, and defend the Constitution. According to the motion, his actions contradict Article 148, which mandates him to act in accordance with the Constitution.
6. Violating the National Cohesion and Integration Act:
MP Mwengi alleges that Gachagua has consistently stirred up ethnic hostility, violating Section 62 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act. His repeated inflammatory public utterances have allegedly posed a threat to Kenya’s social fabric.
7. Amassing Ksh.5.2 Billion Illegally:
Gachagua faces accusations of acquiring wealth unlawfully through proxies, including family members, over the past two years. The lawmaker alleges that Gachagua’s wealth is inconsistent with his official income, implying a scheme involving 22 companies to launder money and conceal ill-gotten gains.
8. Misleading the Public:
The DP is accused of misleading Kenyans through false and divisive remarks, notably against Lady Justice Esther Maina, whom he labeled corrupt. Despite promising to present a petition for her removal, he has yet to act on his claims, raising suspicions about his intent.
9. Gross Misconduct and Collusion with Cartels:
The impeachment motion points to Gachagua’s comments against the National Intelligence Service, which allegedly diminished public confidence in the government. He is also accused of colluding with agricultural cartels to exploit farmers and manipulate cooperative societies for personal gain.
10. Bullying and Intimidation:
The motion alleges that Gachagua has a history of bullying state and public officers who oppose him. One example includes directing KEMSA officials to award a tender to a company associated with his allies. Additionally, the DP is accused of diverting resources meant for public infrastructure projects to benefit a private road leading to a resort linked to him.
These charges paint a grim picture of a Deputy President accused of abuse of power, corruption, and a blatant disregard for the rule of law. As the motion makes its way to Parliament, the country waits to see whether Gachagua will withstand this political storm or be forced to vacate his office.
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10 Reasons MPs Want DP Gachagua Out