MPs express mixed reactions to Gachagua's impeachment

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua before the National Assembly during his impeachment hearing. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Members of Parliament have expressed mixed reactions following the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Tuesday, October 8, after 281 members voted to remove him from office for gross misconduct.

Bomet East MP Richard Yegon dismissed claims that MPs were bribed to support the motion, saying, "You might talk about money, but we were not paid anything. We wanted to make sure everything runs smoothly, and we tell the people that we want to work for them."

In contrast, Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo, who voted against the motion, stated, "I am proud of the 44 MPs who voted without coercion. We march forward to the Senate, where we believe there is an opportunity for reasoning."

Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina voiced her disapproval of the process, explaining, "It's unfortunate to see how the 2010 Constitution's framework was bypassed. There was no consideration for sufficient evidence presented to the Kenyan people."

Baringo South MP Charles Kamuren noted that the vote reflected the position MPs took, stating, "Parliament is an independent entity. There was enough time for debate, and everyone was given time to react."

Gachagua, the first Deputy President to be impeached under the 2010 Constitution, faced 11 charges, including money laundering and using his position to award government tenders to companies he controlled.

The motion was introduced by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse.

Forty-four MPs opposed the impeachment, while one abstained. The matter now moves to the Senate, which will deliberate on the motion in the coming days.

Speaker Moses Wetang'ula is expected to notify his Senate counterpart within two days.