Public divided over Gachagua's impeachment

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua with a battery of his lawyers during the second day of his impeachment hearing at the Senate chammbers on October 17, 2024. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Kenyans have expressed mixed opinions over the decision by the Senate to confirm the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

On Friday, while some claimed they were optimistic the courts would come to Gachagua’s rescue, others claimed the nomination of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to replace him was the right step for the country.

In Nyeri, a number of residents claimed Gachagua was betrayed and was subjected to an injustice by legislators and his boss President William Ruto.

“Gachagua was a symbol of pride for us here in Nyeri. To remove him from the office feels like a personal attack on the county and the Mount Kenya region at large,” said Mary Mumbi, a resident of Mathira.

To them, his impeachment represents a dangerous precedent where political vendettas override the will of the people.

“We voted for him and for President Ruto as a package, and now that’s been broken,” she added.

According to National Democrats chairman Thuo Mathenge, the impeachment has brought anxiety in the region.

“What we need now is for our leaders to come together and focus on the issues that really matter to the people,” he said.

In Kericho, residents threw their weight behind Prof Kindiki as the Deputy President-elect, following the Senate’s vote to impeach Gachagua.

Leah Kurgat, a resident of Londiani Ward in the Kipkelion East constituency, commended President Ruto for taking decisive action to realign his administration’s agenda by removing the former Deputy President.

Serve equally

“We don’t want troublemakers in government. We need leaders who share a common vision for the country, especially at the Executive level,” Kurgat said.
She also urged Kindiki to avoid repeating the mistakes of his predecessor.

“As Kindiki prepares to take on this new role, he must remember that the position of Deputy President belongs to all Kenyans, and he should serve the people equally.”

Walter Wesonga, a resident of Kericho town, reminded Kindiki that the expectations for the Deputy President have now been set higher.

Douglas Chumason, another resident, called on Kindiki to use his position to uplift the livelihoods of ordinary Kenyans.

In Nakuru County, locals expressed mixed reactions.

Those in favour argue that he is the best successor after Gachagua.

Welcomed the decision

Jaom from Kaptembwa mentioned that he is not tribalistic and will serve all Kenyans as required. “He will execute his duties just as well as he has done in the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.”

On the flip side, some people dispute this claim, stating that he did not perform well as a cabinet secretary.

“How can he become deputy president while there are still unsolved conflicts in the country?” asked Evan Nyamboga.

Nancy Mbai believes both the president and deputy should have been impeached.

Manyanya on his part said he will wait for the year 2027 to send the leaders home. Similarly, a section of Nyanza residents and leaders welcomed the decision by the Senate to send Gachagua parking.

Led by the members of the ODM party, the region claimed time was ripe for the country to back a new deputy president.