Mixed reactions to Gachagua's night impeachment

Senators vote on impeachment charges against DP Rigathi Gachagua. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sparked mixed reactions from political leaders and Kenyans.

Shortly after the Senate voted to remove him from office, Gachagua's close allies voiced their dissatisfaction with the impeachment process.

Led by the former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General, the group expressed solidarity with Gachagua, criticising the Senate's decision to proceed with the impeachment in his absence.

Cleophas Malala accused President William Ruto of being insensitive to Gachagua’s condition. “Have you become this heartless, Mr. President? Your deputy is unwell, yet you continue to fight him,” he posed.

He further recalled the efforts Gachagua had made to support Ruto during the General Election. “We fought for you to become president, Mr. President. We never expected you would turn into someone who disregards his allies. You had the chance to speak to the Senate—there was time until Saturday—but instead, you targeted a sick man. You chose to crush the aspirations of our deputy president,” he added.

Malala also questioned the president’s silence during the entire impeachment process, asking, “What kind of person are you, Mr. President? What heart do you have?” He said that they plan to challenge the impeachment in court, expressing confidence in the Judiciary to deliver justice.

The mood among Gachagua’s allies turned somber as Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba was seen in tears. “We stood by him, but he has abandoned us,” she said.

Former Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri was overcome with emotion, breaking down as he vowed to leave the matter in God's hands. “Let them take everything from him, but they shouldn’t darken his heart. His heart belongs to God. God, I pray they don’t touch his heart. I don’t have much more to say. We leave it all to God. If we get the chance, we’ll visit him tomorrow,” Ngunjiri said.

Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu also critised the impeachment process, questioning the fairness of proceeding while Gachagua was hospitalised. “We cannot condemn a man who is in the hospital. We will have our day in court. I believe the judiciary will overturn this unfair trial and judgment.”

Senator John Methu termed the process politically motivated and premeditated. “We did not meet the threshold required to remove the deputy president from office. This is not a motion that would hold up in a court of law, where facts and evidence are thoroughly examined. In my opinion, this decision was made long ago. The gazette notice will likely be issued soon—it’s almost ready,” he asserted.

While Gachagua’s allies expressed disappointment over his removal, other leaders accepted the Senate’s decision and looked ahead. Mbeere North MP Ruku Kiringa welcomed the change, urging the President to nominate a new deputy quickly. “We expect the President to immediately nominate a new deputy president so that we can make a decision tomorrow morning. We strongly support Prof. Kithure Kindiki for the position,” Kiringa said.

Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi, however, took a more cryptic stance, simply commenting, “Niliwaambia,” meaning, “I told you so.”