DP Gachagua Defiant: Ruto, MPs Lack Authority to Remove Me Midway
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Friday delivered a bold and defiant message to President William Ruto and members of parliament, asserting that neither the President nor the lawmakers hold the authority to remove him from office before the end of their first term.
This declaration comes amidst growing tensions, with an impeachment motion reportedly being considered in the National Assembly.
Speaking during a special Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Komothai Coffee Growers Cooperative Society in Githunguri Constituency, Kiambu, Mr. Gachagua firmly defended his position as Deputy President, arguing that his presence on the ticket was crucial to the election victory of President Ruto. He claimed that a significant portion of the vote from the Mount Kenya region was secured because voters trusted that he would represent their interests in government.
“No one can sack me midway, and whoever wants to do so, let him come to you (the people) and seek your opinion first. Let them allow me to finish the first term. I am being fought for speaking the truth because there is no need of telling lies all the time,” Gachagua declared defiantly.
Accompanied by several political leaders from the region, including Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, Maragua MP Mary Wamaua, Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, and Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Mr. Gachagua expressed confidence that the people of Mount Kenya would stand with him. He suggested that certain leaders from the region were being funded by his opponents to politically undermine him.
“We have no fools in Mount Kenya. We were elected together with President William Ruto because most of you saw me there and believed that your interests are catered for. I am also being fought for fighting land grabbing,” he added.
His remarks were in response to growing momentum surrounding a possible impeachment. A few days earlier, Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana had filed a censure motion in the Senate, accusing Mr. Gachagua of gross misconduct and insubordination. Speculation has been rife that a campaign to collect signatures to remove him from office is already underway.
Despite the rising political pressure, Mr. Gachagua, for the second consecutive week, visited Kiambu County, one of the most populous counties in the Mount Kenya region. The county delivered a significant portion of votes to the Kenya Kwanza alliance in the 2022 general election, even surpassing President Ruto’s own home county of Uasin Gishu in voter turnout.
The Deputy President’s public warnings to President Ruto were striking. Gachagua cautioned the President against betraying the political base that propelled them to power, warning that such actions could have serious consequences.
“To my boss, President William Ruto, be cautious and do the right thing. Let us not reintroduce the politics of the tribe. Our people hate betrayal and are very unforgiving when betrayed. That is my advice, which must not be necessarily taken. Please, let’s get back to work and fulfil the promises we made to Kenyans,” Gachagua advised.
He also took the opportunity to defend his track record, specifically on issues related to coffee, tea, and milk reforms. Gachagua dismissed claims that he had failed in his assigned duties, citing significant achievements, including the disbursement of KSh 7 billion to pay off debts for coffee farmers.
“I want to say I am a very happy person. And those who are saying the DP has not done his job, if the cost of coffee has moved from KSh 17 to KSh 87, is that not a remarkable achievement?” he inquired.
Mr. Gachagua’s defiant stance has set the stage for a deepening political rift within the Kenya Kwanza administration, raising questions about the future relationship between the Deputy President and President Ruto. Whether this growing discord will lead to more drastic political maneuvers remains to be seen.
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DP Gachagua Defiant: Ruto, MPs Lack Authority to Remove Me Midway
