Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has called on President William Ruto’s administration to fast-track development projects with the same energy they used in rushing Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment.
While addressing residents in Bukhalalire, Busia County on Saturday, October 19, 2024, the lawmaker made it clear that the residents of Western Kenya, much like the rest of the country, are hungry for more than political drama noting they want tangible results.
The legislator further reminded the government that Western Kenya deserves its fair share of the development pie.
“Just like Kenya Kwanza has rushed the impeachment of HE Gachagua, let them equally rush programmes and bills in Parliament that will bring development to our nation,” Salasya stated.
“And talking of shares, as Western Kenya, we equally want our 30% share of development, not the awarding of positions to just two individuals.”
Senate sends Gachagua packing
Salasya’s sentiments come hot on the heels of DP Gachagua being impeached by the senate after being found guilty of five out of 11 charges.
The vote took place on Thursday, October 17, 2024, while Gachagua was reportedly hospitalized due to severe chest pains.
His impeachment marks the first time a deputy president has been removed from office under the 2010 Constitution.
The impeachment motion, introduced in the National Assembly by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse weeks ago, gained overwhelming support, with 281 MPs voting in favour and only 44 opposing. In the subsequent Senate vote, Gachagua was found guilty on multiple charges, including gross misconduct and abuse of office.
The first charge, which involved gross violation of Articles 10, 27, 73, 75, and 129 of the Constitution—specifically his failure to uphold national values and principles of governance which was supported by 53 senators, with 13 opposing it.
However, the Senate rejected several charges, including accusations of undermining the president and the cabinet and undermining devolution. These charges saw only 28 and 19 senators, respectively, voting in support, falling short of the required majority.
Gachagua was found guilty on the fourth charge, which accused him of violating judicial independence. A total of 51 senators supported this charge, while 16 opposed it. Another charge, relating to his violation of the oath of office, was upheld with 49 senators in favor, 16 against, and two abstentions. He was also found guilty of crimes under the National Cohesion and Integration Act, with 48 senators voting in support.
One of the more significant charges, accusing Gachagua of undermining the National Security Intelligence Service, passed with 46 votes in favour, 20 against, and one abstention.