According to The Standard, Mt Kenya leaders and MPs who support President William Ruto are faced with a difficult decision on the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
As moves to remove him gather steam, a schism develops among MPs, some want to depose Gachagua to safeguard their political prospects in 2027, while others are concerned about the potential consequences.
Some MPs, particularly from Gachagua’s home region in Mt Kenya, hold him responsible for their declining political standing, accusing him of branding them as sellouts and collaborators, which has damaged their popularity with voters.
Sources advocating for Gachagua’s removal suggest that their primary motivation is to restore their political fortunes ahead of the 2027 elections, arguing that failing to act would jeopardize their careers.
“He is in an all-out political war against us. He has successfully incited the electorate against us to the extent of us fearing to go to the grassroots. And as if that is not enough, he has planted candidates against us. That means if he is not stopped, we will be sent home by the people in 2027,” an MP said.
“Impeaching him means that he will not have the State machinery to crisscross Mt Kenya region. He will not vie for any elective position in the country and therefore he will no longer be a threat to our political careers. This motion is a communal affair. It seeks to help those of us who are his critics but President William Ruto’s allies,” the MP, who did not wish to be named, said.
According to the parliamentarians, Gachagua has individuals but no leaders who can protect him from Parliament’s aggression.
However, while Mt Kenya officials are determined to send Gachagua home, they fear they would never be forgiven by their electorate, resulting in a stalemate over who will table the impeachment motion.
This is despite assurances that the MPs spearheading the proposal will have increased state security to prevent him from being abducted or persuaded not to attend the motion’s tabling.
By Standard