As Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua awaits the National Assembly's decision on his potential impeachment, results from recent public participation indicate that a majority of Kenyans support the motion to remove him from office. A report released by Parliament on Tuesday revealed that 116,269 Kenyans who participated in the public consultations voted in favor of Gachagua’s impeachment, while 69,195 opposed it.
The report highlighted that nine constituencies voted overwhelmingly, with 100% of participants supporting Gachagua's ouster. These constituencies included Balambala (313 votes), Daadab (305), Fafi (121), Kirinyaga Central (120), Kuresoi North (39), Lafey (247), Magarini (145), Mandera South (102), and Mogotio (454). Additionally, several other counties recorded 99% support for the impeachment, including Bondo (317 votes), Butere (370), Ijara (230), Kibwezi West (501), Kinango (102), Konoin (502), Lamu East (542), Likoni (824), and Likuyani (362).
However, some constituencies strongly opposed Gachagua's removal, with more than 90% of participants voting against the motion. These included Mathira (5,598 votes, 97%), Gilgil (1,002, 97%), Kigumo (4,754, 95%), Kinangop (708, 96%), and Kipipiri (1,608, 98%). Similar opposition was noted in Kitui Rural (428, 94%), Maragwa (4,286, 97%), Mukurweini (2,884, 97%), Naivasha (2,496, 95%), and Ol Kalou (1,001, 95%).
Did you read this?
A discrepancy in the document raised questions about the accuracy of the numbers, as Parliament reported that 43 people participated in Keiyo South but also noted 70 votes in support of the impeachment and 1 against it. Parliament has suggested this was a clerical error.
The public participation exercise, held on October 4 and 5, saw Kenyans criticize the government for focusing on internal impeachments rather than addressing urgent issues affecting citizens.
Deputy President Gachagua is set to defend himself in Parliament against 11 charges, including gross misconduct, constitutional violations, undermining the presidency, and corruption. He has assembled a team of 20 legal advocates, including senior counsels, to defend him both in Parliament and in court. Despite the mounting pressure, Gachagua remains defiant, rejecting calls for his resignation.
"I will get justice and continue to serve as Deputy President. Anyone asking me to resign is joking. I have done nothing wrong to Kenyans," he stated during a press briefing from his Karen residence on Monday evening.
