On Tuesday, the National Assembly voted to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, but 18 Members of Parliament (MPs) were notably absent during the crucial vote. Among those missing were some well-known politicians, including Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. Their absence raised eyebrows, especially given the significance of the impeachment motion.
Deputy Minority Whip Mark Mwenje also chose not to participate, even though the minority coalition voted in favor of the motion. Nyoro, who represents Gachagua’s home area in Mt Kenya, has been suggested as a possible replacement for Gachagua, which adds to the speculation around his absence.
Another surprising absentee was Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukami. Just a few days before the vote, she publicly declared her support for Gachagua. Mukami, along with Njoroge Wainaina (Kieni) and Geoffrey Wandeto (Tetu), said their decision was influenced by the views of their voters.
Wandeto was present during the vote, but Mukami explained her change of heart by saying, “After soul-searching and reading through the motion, I realized this is something our deputy president and the President can sit down and resolve because Kenya is bigger than all of us.”
The list of MPs who skipped the vote includes Patrick Simiyu (Cherangany), Hassan Yusuf (Kamkunji), John Machua (Kiambu), Antony Njoroge (Kieni), Joseph Gitari (Kirinyaga Central), Rose Museo (Makueni), Joshua Mbithi (Masinga), Abraham Kirwa (Mosop), Peter Mbogho (Mwatate), Esther Passaris (Nairobi), David Njuguna (Ol Kalou), Naisula Lesuuda (Samburu West), Joshua Kavinda (Kaiti), and Nicholas Ngikolong (Turkana East).
Babu Owino defended his absence, stating that there are more pressing issues facing the country that require attention. He emphasized that instead of focusing on Gachagua’s impeachment, Parliament should address issues like the high cost of living, unemployment, and education funding.
Owino expressed his belief that the speed at which Gachagua was impeached should match the urgency with which lawmakers tackle the problems facing Kenyans.
In total, 282 MPs voted to impeach Gachagua, while 44 voted against the motion. Initially, the Speaker announced a tally of 281 in support of the motion, but later clarified that there was a mix-up with Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga’s vote.
Gachagua will now have to defend himself in the Senate as this political drama continues to unfold.
By the Star