Your time is up, Boss tells Gachagua ahead of impeachment hearing

National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei addresses a past function. [File, Standard]

Twenty Woman Representatives allied to President William Ruto have dismissed Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's plea for forgiveness and vowed to vote for his impeachment in the National Assembly Tuesday.

The leaders said Gachagua’s impeachment was a necessary measure to eliminate tribalism in government.

Speaking during the launch of Kericho Women Representative Beatrice Kemei Wezesha Mama Inua Jamii programme in Tunongoi, Sigowet constituency, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei, declared that the DP's time in government had come to an end.

"The issue of impeachment is clearly outlined in the Constitution. A President, Deputy President, or even a Cabinet Secretary can be impeached. This process is not something manufactured by members of Parliament. A motion has been brought forward, and members will debate and vote on it," she said.

Shollei likened President William Ruto and Gachagua’s rift to Apostle Paul’s split from Barnabas due to disagreements.

“After tomorrow, you will never hear of Gachagua again. The Deputy President has failed to serve the President and the country diligently,” she said.

Kericho Women Representative Beatrice Kemei said that once Gachagua is impeached the 291 MPs who signed the motion would push President Ruto to pick the next Deputy President from the Mt Kenya region.

"We need a Deputy President who embodies a national outlook, not a tribal kingpin like Rigathi. We will do what is right and just. The issue of forgiveness for Gachagua's transgressions can be addressed afterward," Kemei said. 

The Women Representatives caucus chairperson, Nyandarua MP Faith Gitau, accused the Deputy President of allegedly perpetuating corruption and tribalism.

“We will not allow the Deputy President to derail President Ruto from his vision. The President must be given peace and space to deliver on his mandate. Political bickering hampers progress, and we cannot afford that,” she said.

Gitau reaffirmed the importance of President Ruto's reform agenda, particularly in sectors such as the tea industry.

She encouraged the public to support the President saying Gachagua’s ouster would pave the way for peace and stability in the government and across the country.

Migori Women Representative Fatuma Mohammed (ODM), declared support for the DP’s impeachment, accusing him of antagonizing the opposition, particularly ODM leader Raila Odinga.

"Rigathi must go. He needs to seek forgiveness from Odinga for the insults he directed towards him and the disrespect he showed to women," she said.

Mandera Women Representative Umulkher Kassim said that the United Democratic Alliance government promotes inclusivity.

"The UDA government is the best for pastoralist communities. We will not allow anyone to divide Kenyans—we want unity within the executive," she said.