Gachagua's impeachment seeks to reorganise the presidency, Mbeere MP Ruku says

Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku. December 10, 2023 [Murithi Mugo, Standard]

As political tensions escalate, the fate of the nation's Deputy President hangs in the balance, with an impeachment motion gaining significant momentum. 

Mbeere Member of Parliament Geoffrey Ruku has confirmed that the motion is ready and will soon be tabled in Parliament, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s political landscape.

“The details of the impeachment are not fully out yet, but I can confirm there is indeed an impeachment motion,” said Ruku.

The impeachment drive stems from growing concerns over Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s conduct and alignment with government policies. 

Ruku emphasised that the move seeks to "reorganise the Presidency" to uphold the nation's dignity.

“When the issues started, half the Cabinet was dismissed, followed by a reorganization of the security forces. I believe it's now time to restructure the Presidency to maintain the unity of the State,” Ruku said during an interview with Spice FM.

MP, Geoffrey Ruku: It is high time to reorganize our presidency for the unity of the state because the government will come and go but the state will remain#TheSituationRoom

Follow our live conversation on YouTube: https://t.co/dK2JBhjCeZ pic.twitter.com/dQM7Ivj8lG — SpiceFM (@SpiceFMKE) September 26, 2024

Yesterday, an MP from Mt Kenya alleged that the Leader of Minority in the National Assembly, Junet Mohammed, had received instructions from ODM leader Raila Odinga to rally ODM MPs to support the impeachment motion once it is tabled. 

The alleged directive reportedly came via phone from New York, where Raila accompanies President Ruto.

Additionally, sources told The Standard that signatures in favor of the motion were coming in "fast and furious," with more than 116 lawmakers reportedly having signed on.

However other leaders like Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei have dismissed the ongoing debate on an impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, calling it baseless and unlikely to succeed.

According to Ruku, whether the motion succeeds on the floor of the House or in the Senate, that’s a different story. 

However, as things stand, there is a motion against the Deputy President.

Last week while addressing the nation, DP Gachagua stated that he has no problem if MPs decide to impeach him.

However, he notes that for that to happen, a directive has to come from President Ruto, the same man who assured him of political security.

President Ruto, however, has remained silent on the matter. 

Ruku hinted at a strained relationship between the two, suggesting that the President’s decision to bring opposition members into his government was influenced by Gachagua’s perceived threats to "take away the entire Central region" from him—actions seen as divisive and contributing to the impeachment push.

"The President felt compelled to bring in other partners because he believed someone was threatening him daily, claiming they could take control of an entire region," Ruku added.

Whether or not Gachagua is impeached, the motion signals a growing trend of internal rifts within the government and Executive. 

The same axe that once hovered over the President now looms over his deputy, quietly signaling a new chapter in their political fallout.