Kibwezi West Member of Parliament Mwengi Mutuse has put forward a motion in Parliament calling for the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The motion, which has garnered significant support with 291 Members of Parliament backing it, outlines a series of alleged constitutional violations and misconduct by the Deputy President.
Also Read: What Does The Constitution Say About Impeachment of a Deputy President?
Constitutional Violations and Misconduct
During a parliamentary session on Tuesday, MP Mutuse meticulously presented the charges against Gachagua, accusing him of both acts of commission and omission that violate Kenyan law, international statutes, and the country’s Constitution. Mutuse emphasized the gravity of these allegations, stating:
“The Constitution of the Republic of Kenya is not just a document, it speaks to the soul of this nation.”
The MP proceeded to detail numerous constitutional articles allegedly breached by Gachagua, including:
- Articles 6(2), 10(2)(a), 174, 186(1), 189(1), 160(1), and the 4th Schedule
- A gross violation of Article 3(1)
- Contravention of Article 148(5)(a)
Additionally, Mutuse accused the Deputy President of violating the National Cohesion and Integration Act, presenting a comprehensive array of evidence to support these claims.
“I will demonstrate with videos, affidavits and documents that the man holding the office of the Deputy President has violated the same law that he swore to protect in his oath of office,” Mutuse declared.
Allegations of Unlawful Wealth Acquisition
One of the most damning accusations leveled against Gachagua involves the alleged unlawful acquisition of wealth. Mutuse cited the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, claiming that within a mere two years, Gachagua’s assets had ballooned to over Sh5.2 billion.
This figure starkly contrasts with Gachagua’s earlier declaration during the presidential debate, where he stated his worth at Sh800 million.
Mutuse argued,
“He is paid slightly over Sh1 million per month, meaning that for the last two years, the much he could have accumulated justly is about Sh24 million.” The MP labeled the remainder as “unexplained assets.”
Additional Charges
The impeachment motion also includes accusations of:
- Offenses under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act
- Violations of the Penal Code and the Leadership and Integrity Act
- Gross misconduct and insubordination
Mutuse described Gachagua as a “bully” who disrespects public officials and the office he holds, stating that the Deputy President has “insubordinated the presidency and the Kenyan state.”
Broad Parliamentary Support
The motion has received backing from a diverse group of MPs, including:
- Eric Mwangi (Mathira), representing Gachagua’s home constituency
- Kimani Ichung’wah (Majority leader of National Assembly)
- Junet Mohamed (Minority leader of National Assembly)
Notably, the motion has surpassed the constitutional requirement of 117 members needed for it to proceed.
Speaker’s Approval and Next Steps
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has confirmed that all 11 grounds presented in the motion meet the constitutional threshold for impeachment. As a result, Parliament is expected to move forward with the debate on the Deputy President’s impeachment.
Mutuse’s Personal Stance
While tabling the motion, Mutuse was keen to emphasize that his actions were not driven by personal animosity:
“I have no grudge, malice, ill will, or any personal vendetta against Gachagua. I am just doing my duty as a citizen of the Republic of Kenya and executing my mandate as a member of this House to bring this motion.”
