Senator Mungatana files censure motion against DP Gachagua

Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana has filed a censure motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, set for debate in the Senate.

The motion, presented on Tuesday, September 23, raises concerns about Gachagua's statements on employment opportunities and resource allocation, as well as calls for Kenyans to disobey lawful directives from county governments.

Mungatana said Gachagua's comments have marginalised some communities and increased ethnic tensions.

 He noted that the Deputy President's actions violate Article 75 of the Constitution, which outlines conduct expected of state officers.

“The public utterances made by Rigathi Gachagua have demeaned the high office of the Deputy President,” said Mungatana.

The censure comes amid reports of internal divisions within the ruling party, with Gachagua facing criticism from allies of President William Ruto.

 At a recent church service in Embakasi West, Nairobi, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah defended Ruto, comparing his political struggles to the Biblical Apostle Paul's encounter with a viper.

“Looking at that story, I have seen how the President has gone through a lot; he found an economy in a wreck, and just when he was ready to warm up Kenyans, a viper comes and coils itself on his hand,” noted Ichung’wah.

In response, Gachagua claimed he was being attacked for his honesty and alleged that some leaders had been pressured to oppose him.

“They say that I'm high-headed, that I'm too people-centered,” he said during an interview with Citizen TV.

“I don't think it is a crime.”

Gachagua urged Ruto to address divisions within the government, noting the importance of listening to public grievances.

“Leadership is about the people; for you to be a good leader, you must listen to the people,” he said.