The rift between Ruto and Gachagua has escalated since the announcement of a new look Cabinet, with accusations of gross misconduct and constitutional violations.
A fresh rift is brewing in Kenya Kwanza following reports that surfaced on Tuesday, July 30 of a section of Mt Kenya politicians plotting an impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
What started as mere whispers last month has now evolved into serious discussions, with reports indicating that a faction of MPs and a Cabinet Secretary nominee are orchestrating Gachagua’s impeachment.
The rift between Ruto and Gachagua has escalated since the announcement of a new look Cabinet, with accusations of gross misconduct and constitutional violations.
However, Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba in a statement believed that the plot is a distraction meted out on Kenyans to prevent them from focusing on real issues, including wanton corruption in the government.
Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba speaking on June 5, 2024, during an overnight session with IPOA commissioners. /GATHONI WAMUCHOMBA
“Someone thinks that bringing a tribal card against the DP and leaders of Mt Kenya will diffuse the rot in the Kenya Kwanza Government as highlighted by the protestors. Presenting an impeachment agenda against the DP HE Rigathi Gachagwa is a decoy to shift the attention from allegations of massive corruption and open inefficiency on various issues flagged by Kenyans,” she wrote on X.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) lawmaker went on to say that the MPs supporting DP Gachagua may be outnumbered by their colleagues but they have the support of Kenyans.
She was however welcome to accusations towards the MPs for rejecting the Finance Bill and plotting to discipline them, though she posed “Will you punish the thousands of Kenyans who openly rejected the Finance Bill 2024 from all over Kenya?”
Wamuchomba termed a fallacy the accusations towards the MPs for opposing the government on punitive tax measures, warning that sane MPs would vote against any more proposed tax hikes contained in future Finance Bills.
“Some of us have refused to join the club of public funds looters and swindlers in the name of lawmaking. For now, those drafting the impeachment and whipping MPs alert us when you are ready for the monkey dance,” she added.
Reports indicated that the impeachment motion was crafted during a meeting over the weekend. A Cabinet Secretary nominee and 21 MPs, mostly from the vote-rich regions are reported to be behind the alleged motion.
The attendees, primarily from the Mt Kenya region, criticised Gachagua for allegedly undermining President Ruto and perpetuating a divisive ethnic narrative. According to reporting by the outlet, the Cabinet Secretary nominee stated that the President was frustrated with his deputy’s behaviour, which included making unreasonable demands for government appointments favouring his community.
“Deputy President Gachagua’s actions have been detrimental to the unity of our government,” stated an MP who attended the meeting. “His divisive tribal narratives and constant demands for government positions for his community have undermined President Ruto’s leadership.”
The DP and his team are yet to publicly comment on the alleged plans to ouster him.
