Six MPS led by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga have vowed to defend Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary James Macharia against any move to impeach him.
Nyali MP Mohammed Ali, in a notice to table a motion in Parliament claimed the CS violated the Constitution by failing to undertake public participation with leaders and stakeholders in giving orders to use the SGR to transport cargo from Mombasa to Naivasha Inland Container Depot (ICD).
The CS announced last month that all cargo destined for Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan will be transported via SGR for clearance at the Naivasha ICD starting June. He said the move was aimed at containing spread of Covid-19 by reducing interactions along the northern corridor.
But the governor and the legislators yesterday dared Ali to make good his threat to impeach Macharia, saying they will stand with him to the end.
Speaking during the Nyeri leg of the CS’s visit to oversee construction of the Mau Mau Road, the lawmakers led by Kieni MP Kanini Kega vowed to shoot down the motion in Parliament.
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They said the motion dated June 6 was driven by malice and was a diversionary tactic to sabotage work of the national government.
Light of day
Other MPs who vowed to support the CS include Gichuki Mugambi (Othaya), Gichuhi Mwangi (Tetu), Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu) Sabina Chege (Woman Rep Murang’a) and Wambugu Ngunjiri (Nyeri town).
In his motion, Ali claims that Macharia’s action has caused public outcry and affected transportation sector negatively forcing some companies to shut down.
Kahiga said Macharia was among the hard working CSs in the Kenyatta administration and therefore any attempt to kick him out would not augur well for the region.
Kega claimed Ali was being misused by known political forces out to sabotage Uhuru Kenyatta’s legacy through removal of one of the most hardworking ministers.
“We intend to mobilise all MPs in the region and beyond to ensure the motion does not see the light of day. The motion is sponsored by people keen on undermining the president’s legacy,” Kega said.
Speaking in Murang’a during inspection of the proposed Mau Mau Road and St Mary-Gitugi-Mioro Road, Macharia said he will not be cowed by attempts to kick him out of office.
“Those who support President Kenyatta are backing me and I am confident the motion will lack numbers in Parliament,” he said.
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