Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has strongly criticized the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, referring to the process as an act of lynching and public mob justice during a televised interview on Monday, October 14, 2024.
Speaking out on the ongoing political turmoil following the National Assembly’s decision to impeach Gachagua, Maanzo accused younger politicians of orchestrating what he deemed a politically motivated attack on the Deputy President.
“There is no reason to impeach Rigathi Gachagua; it is politics initiated by very young politicians. What happened in Parliament, unfortunately, was lynching, public mob justice against the Deputy President without full consideration of the country’s interests,” Maanzo stated.
The senator argued that Gachagua’s public apology for any perceived wrongdoing should have been enough to deter the impeachment.
He emphasized the importance of forgiveness, citing the Bible as a guide for both political and social reconciliation.
“Last weekend he tendered an apology might he had offended anyone in his duties and you see when you seek forgiveness then the Bible says those who don’t forgive would never be forgiven also by God Himself.
“And that’s why the Lord’s prayer, and I don’t know why we keep on saying it as politicians, you forgive other so that you may also be forgiven,” he said.
Maanzo went on to say that the refusal of MPs to forgive Gachagua has resulted in significant political backlash, including a recent incident where Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika was booed by mourners as she attempted to read President William Ruto’s speech at a funeral in Bahati Constituency.
“If one cannot be forgiven then you can never hold the society together that’s why you saw the events in Nakuru where the president’s speech could not be read before the public,” Maanzo said.
He drew parallels between the current political climate and historical events, referencing a similar situation involving the late politician Simeon Nyachae.
According to Maanzo, Nyachae was heckled by mourners in 1975 while attempting to read then-President Jomo Kenyatta’s speech at the funeral of assassinated politician JM Kariuki.
“The last time that was seen was during the JM Kariuki’s funeral when the late Nyachae attempted to read the speech of the president and he was forced to eat it by the people. That’s what happens when you refuse to forgive, Parliament has refused to forgive,” Maanzo warned.
The senator’s remarks come as the Senate prepares to begin hearings on Gachagua’s impeachment, with the Deputy President’s political fate hanging in the balance.
Gachagua faces 11 charges as grounds for his removal, ranging from abuse of office to gross misconduct.
If the Senate upholds the National Assembly’s decision, Gachagua’s tenure as Deputy President could come to an abrupt end.