Kibwezi West Member of Parliament (MP) Mwengi Mutuse expressed pride and satisfaction following the swearing-in of Professor Kithure Kindiki as the new Deputy President, replacing Rigathi Gachagua who was impeached by both the National Assembly and the Senate.
Mutuse, who initiated the impeachment motion in Parliament, marked Kindiki’s swearing-in as a milestone in the country’s democratic evolution.
Attending the swearing-in at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Friday, November 1, 2024, Mutuse extended his congratulations to the new Deputy President.
“Congratulations, Prof Kithure Kindiki on assuming the office of Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya,” he wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
He also emphasized the importance of national unity and the rule of law.
“The events leading up to today’s swearing-in and the prevailing peace in our country confirm that no one is above the law and reflect the maturity of our democracy,” he said.
Reflecting on his role in Gachagua’s impeachment, Mutuse expressed pride in spearheading the effort that ultimately removed the former Deputy President.
“I am proud to have initiated and championed the motion that led to this historic milestone in our governance—a journey that required great courage and patriotism,” he said.
Embracing the moniker ‘chief impeacher’, Mutuse voiced optimism for Kenya’s future under Kindiki’s leadership, envisioning progress for all Kenyans.
“This moment has rekindled hope among Kenyans, and I am confident it will drive our socio-economic progress for the benefit of all. Once again, congratulations from the “Chief Impeacher,” my friend, Prof. Wishing you Godspeed,” he said.
Senate impeachment hearing
Mutuse faced heavy criticism after he fumbled repeatedly while being cross-examined by Rigathi Gachagua’s legal team, led by lawyer Elisha Ongoya.
Dramatic showdown was witnessed in the Senate, with Gachagua’s legal team taking to the floor to cross-examine Mutuse.
The Kibwezi West MP, who was the mover of the impeachment motion at the National Assembly, struggled to substantiate key claims.
Ongoya challenged the Kibwezi West MP to substantiate the claims laid out in the 11 grounds for Gachagua’s impeachment.
Under pressure, Mutuse stumbled, struggling to support his assertion like the the claim that Gachagua owned the Vipingo Beach Resort, a central asset in the impeachment case.
“It may be getting hotter, but look at the document, compose yourself, and read. What is the total number of shares in Vipingo Beach Company?” Ongoya pressed.
“10,000,” Mutuse replied, faltering in the moment.
“Who is indicated as the owner of all those 10,000 shares?” Ongoya probed further.
“The late James Nderitu Gachagua,” Mutuse responded.
“When the DP says this company is wholly owned by his late brother, is he speaking the truth or not?” Ongoya pushed.
“Yes,” Mutuse opined.
Mutuse’s inability to confidently defend his claims led to widespread ridicule on social media, with many Kenyans mocking his performance with memes and vile words.
