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By Deniss Wanyonyi
A United Kingdom-based civil society organization, the Justice and Equity Council (JEC), has called for the impeachment of President William Ruto, his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, and the Kenya Kwanza administration, citing failures to address rising insecurity and human rights violations in Kenya.
In a detailed press statement, JEC Chairman Sebastian Onyango accused the government of neglecting its constitutional responsibility to protect citizens, highlighting a worrying trend of abductions and enforced disappearances. According to JEC, from June 25 to December 31, 2024, numerous youths and activists vanished under mysterious circumstances, with no significant effort from the government to resolve their cases or ensure public safety.
“JEC-UK hereby calls for the immediate impeachment of President William Samoei Ruto, his deputy Kithure Kindiki, and the holding of fresh elections to install a more responsive executive that can address the myriad challenges facing Kenyans, including rampant unemployment and insecurity,” Onyango declared.
Grounds for Impeachment
The Justice and Equity Council listed several reasons for seeking impeachment, including abuse of power, incompetence, gross misconduct, and violations of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution. Onyango argued that the government’s actions—or lack thereof—have eroded public confidence and jeopardized the rule of law.
Proposal for a Caretaker Government
The organization has proposed the formation of a caretaker government, led either by the Speaker of the National Assembly or the Chief Justice, to oversee a transition period. This interim administration would oversee the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and prepare for a presidential election by August 2025.
“We also call for the setting up of a caretaker government as stipulated under the 2010 Constitution to provide a mechanism for fresh elections and restore public confidence in governance,” Onyango added.
Government Response
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen responded to rising public concerns by urging families of missing persons to file formal complaints at police stations to facilitate investigations. However, critics argue that this directive falls short of addressing the root causes of insecurity and human rights violations.
Mounting Pressure
This demand for impeachment underscores the growing dissatisfaction with the Kenya Kwanza administration. Human rights groups and civil society organizations have repeatedly criticized the government for failing to address the security challenges affecting citizens.
As political tensions escalate, the Justice and Equity Council’s call for action highlights the urgent need for accountability and effective governance to restore public trust and uphold Kenya’s constitutional values.
