Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has criticized the ongoing impeachment efforts against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, labelling them “a big joke” and equating the situation to mob justice.
Senator Maanzo asserted that the impeachment is motivated by DP Gachagua’s refusal to distribute financial handouts to Members of Parliament from his confidential expenditure budget. He claimed that MPs backing the impeachment expected Rigathi to regularly share funds, which has fueled the accusations against him.
Maanzo stated, “There’s no one in Kenya free of tribalism. What’s happening is mob justice against Gachagua. If the issue is about his wealth, he should be given the chance to declare and explain it.”
He urged Kenyans to vote out the MPs who support the impeachment in the next election, arguing that Parliament is wasting time and engaging in a lynching of Gachagua.
The impeachment motion against Gachagua has gained significant traction, with 291 out of 345 MPs signing it. The accusations against him include incitement, undermining the president and cabinet, and illegally amassing properties worth Ksh. 5.2 billion, and meddling in Nairobi County’s leadership.
Additionally, he faces criticism for attacking High Court Judge Esther Maina and for alleged bullying and misconduct.
The National Assembly has suspended its Thursday session to prepare for public participation in the impeachment process, with debates set to begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, October 8.
If the motion passes with a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, it will move to the Senate for further deliberation. Should 45 out of 67 senators endorse the motion, Gachagua would be removed from his position as Deputy President.
Maanzo warned that if Gachagua is impeached, similar motions could be initiated against President William Ruto, as he has already begun a censure motion against Ruto for constitutional violations and neglecting public participation in policies.
The political landscape is tense as Gachagua’s impeachment could set a precedent under Kenya’s 2010 constitution, marking a significant shift in the country’s governance dynamics.
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