A section of opposition Members of Parliament has announced plans to begin the process of impeaching President William Ruto, saying a formal motion is currently being prepared.
Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi have been leading calls for the impeachment of the president. The two lawmakers say they are consulting Kenyans and gathering information to support the planned motion.
In a statement shared on social media, Njeri Maina said she had engaged many Kenyans on the issue and urged citizens to reach out to their respective MPs. She noted that Members of Parliament represent the views of the people and should be involved in discussions about the proposed impeachment.
Maina indicated that further discussions on the matter could take place when the National Assembly resumes its third session on September 21.
On his part, Caleb Amisi confirmed that the impeachment motion is already being drafted. He called on members of the public to submit any evidence and public documents that could strengthen the case against the president.
According to Amisi, the goal is to ensure the motion is well-prepared and supported by sufficient evidence before it is presented in Parliament. He also argued that Parliament should address national concerns through constitutional processes instead of leaving citizens to protest in the streets.
The latest developments come amid growing criticism of the government by some opposition leaders and sections of the public. Debate over the Finance Bill and concerns surrounding a proposed Ebola quarantine facility have fueled political tensions in recent weeks.
However, the impeachment process has not officially started in Parliament. The motion must first be formally tabled in the National Assembly and receive the required support from lawmakers before moving to the next stages outlined in the Constitution.
For now, opposition leaders say they are focused on preparing the motion and building support ahead of its possible presentation in Parliament.