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Nairobi, Kenya — October 2, 2024 — In a landmark vote held on Tuesday, 281 Members of Parliament voted to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, with only 44 lawmakers standing in his defense.
The overwhelming vote in favor of his impeachment has sparked widespread reflection on the political dynamics between elected leaders and the public.
Gatanga MP Edward Muriu expressed surprise at the stark contrast between the views of the general public and the stance of Members of Parliament.
“It was an unusual experience,” Muriu said, noting that during public participation hearings, which took place over two days, a majority of Kenyans expressed opposition to the impeachment of the Deputy President.
Many felt that DP Gachagua had their support and should not be removed from office.
However, the vote in Parliament painted a different picture. Despite strong public backing for Gachagua, a vast majority of MPs—including those from his home base in the Mount Kenya region—supported the impeachment motion.
Muriu suggested that the outcome may be due to the Deputy President’s strained relationship with legislators. “From an analytical view, one can opine that the Deputy President seems not to have a good rapport with Members of Parliament,” he said.
This political divergence highlights the complex dynamics within Kenya’s political landscape, where public sentiment does not always align with parliamentary actions.
The vote underscores the importance of political alliances and relationships within legislative corridors, which often shape key decisions. As the political fallout from the impeachment continues, it remains to be seen how this divide will impact future governance and leadership dynamics in the country.
