Rigathi Gachagua: Motion To Impeach Deputy President In Parliament

• The political woes currently suffered by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua might climax with an imminent impeachment
• Murmurs indicate the motion to oust Gachagua is already in the precincts of the National Assembly
• Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah recently hinted at the plot against the deputy president when he likened him to a snake that ought to be struck off the hands of President William Ruto

Eli, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua could be out of office before December this year should the impeachment machinations against him succeed.

Sources indicate the motion is already within the precincts of the National Assembly, with efforts in top gear to sail it through the essential stages.

When will Gachagua's impeachment motion be tabled?

The plot is being revived months after it was dropped following a reported intervention of President William Ruto.

NTV reports that the motion might be tabled on the floor of the house next week after the proponents have built a case against the deputy president.

Gachagua's naysayers want him out of office "before December".

Those behind the plot are said to have been holding a series of night meetings to actualise it.

Video; courtesy

However, a section of lawmakers has been meeting to defend the deputy president should the impeachment come to parliament.

The talk about Gachagua's ouster was quelled last month by the president when he reportedly met with Mt Kenya legislators to discourage them from it.

It was revived last Sunday, September 15, when Kikuyu MP and National Assembly Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung'wah figuratively called on the president to do away with "a snake" that was clinging to his hand, preventing him from achieving what he was purposed to do for the country.

Political pundit's perspective

In light of the events, some political analysts argue that, to some extent, Gachagua is stirring his current woes.

Policy and political economy analyst Martin Chomba told TUKO.co.ke that the deputy president is compounding his predicament by being overly vocal about it.

"Right now, there are many accusations aimed at the Deputy President. His attempts to explain himself only add to the confusion. What we need from our leaders is unity and respect. The Deputy President has an important role in serving both the President and the people of Kenya, and he should do this with humility and integrity," Chomba told this writer.

Chomba, however, holds that it is in the place of President William Ruto to cushion his embattled deputy.

He says it is out of order for the juniors in the administration to denigrate Gachagua while his boss steps back to watch.

"At the same time, President Ruto has a responsibility to support his Deputy. We’re observing troubling signs of veiled insubordination, where the Deputy President seems to struggle for respect, and some juniors act as if they don’t have to recognize his authority. This is not acceptable and needs to be fixed for the sake of our nation," stated Chomba.

The analyst pointed out that Gachagua has no choice but to strive to find his way out of the political situation he is currently in.

Just like Ruto sought the hand of Raila Odinga and the opposition to stabilise things in the wake of the revolt by the Kenyan Gen Z, Chomba says Gachagua might have to look for any quarter that will guarantee him support in the course of his tribulations.

"Just as we’ve seen President Ruto reach out to the opposition to include them in government, Gachagua deserves the same chance to stabilise his position. Both actions are about keeping political peace and maintaining a united front for our country," the analyst observed.

Why Gachagua's impeachment might fail, analyst

Chomba observed that while Gachagua might be in dire need of redeeming himself from the current situation, blackmailing Ruto and seeking sympathy from the public should be his last resort.

According to him, the deputy president would fail terribly if he chose to defy the president, directly or indirectly.

The analyst, however, observes that Gachagua could get a lifeline in his political base.

He says any move to impeach him could have dire political implications for the country, as a considerable section of the country behind him will be aggrieved, and hence Ruto cannot allow the plot.

"It is important to note that any attempt by the deputy president to blackmail the president is likely to backfire, just like efforts to remove the deputy prematurely will also fail against the plotters. Both leaders have loyal supporters who will defend them, and testing this loyalty could create serious problems for our country," said Chomba.

Why some Mt Kenya MPs disowned Gachagua

Recently, 48 lawmakers from Mt Kenya declared rallying behind Interior CS Kithure Kindiki as their go-to leader.

They had convened in Nyahururu to deliberate on the political dynamics of the region and its general wellness.

The lawmakers charged Kindiki with the sole responsibility of linking the region to the National Executive, therefore dissenting from Gachagua, who had styled himself as Mt Kenya's de facto leader.

They decried that their efforts to consolidate development had been frustrated previously due to the lack of a focal point of reference around whom the people's interests and priorities could be channelled to the government for actualisation.

Gachagua has been presenting himself as the leader of the region, often rallying the electorate behind him.

He has however been opposed by defiant legislators who accuse him of advancing retrogressive politics of tribalism and ethnicity guised as call for unity.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.