Senator Karen Nyamu has partially attributed the political challenges facing Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to President William Ruto's decision to choose him as his running mate for the 2022 elections.
Speaking during Gachagua's impeachment hearing in the Senate, Nyamu questioned Ruto’s choice, suggesting that he may not have fully considered Gachagua’s “political maturity” and the long-term impact of that decision.
Nyamu criticized Gachagua for his divisive rhetoric, which she believes undermines national unity. She advised future presidential candidates to prioritize selecting running mates who are “nationally oriented” and demonstrate political maturity, urging a departure from tribal-based politics.
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Nyamu referenced Gachagua's controversial "shareholding" remarks, arguing that such statements pose a significant risk, particularly in Nairobi, where multiple ethnic groups coexist. She expressed concern that these comments could fuel tribalism, especially in a city as diverse as Nairobi.
Highlighting a recent incident, she criticized Gachagua for addressing traders at the Marikiti market in Kikuyu in a way that she described as exclusionary, further stoking division in the capital.
Drawing on her experience growing up in Nairobi's Eastlands, Nyamu stressed that she and others were unaware of each other's tribal identities, an environment that fostered unity. She warned that promoting tribal awareness and divisions could have dangerous consequences in Nairobi’s slums.
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While critical of Gachagua’s two-year tenure, Nyamu acknowledged the difficulty of mounting an impeachment against him, particularly for the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition members.
She reflected on her longstanding relationship with the Deputy President. She noted that despite their differences, his impeachment process has been challenging for her and her fellow party members.
