Mt Kenya people are good, we just want to replace Gachagua - Rift MPs

The legislators said they will replace Gachagua with another leader from the region.

In Summary
  • Senator Aaron Cheruiyot on his part told the MPs not to relent on their course.
  • Sources indicate that a formal impeachment motion has been prepared set for tabling in Parliament next week.
Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot with other leaders during the event on September 27, 2024.
Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot with other leaders during the event on September 27, 2024.
Image: HANDOUT

The debate surrounding the planned ouster of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has continued with a faction of lawmakers from Rift Valey expressing their determination to see it through.

The leaders who spoke in Kericho during the funeral of ex-KEMRI boss Davy Koech asserted that the impeachment motion is "unstoppable".

Kipkelion West MP Hillary Kosgei acknowledged the value of Mt Kenya people but insisted on leadership change.

He said they are only keen on finding someone else to replace Gachagua.

"The people of Mt Kenya are good people. The only thing that we want is to remove him (Gachagua) and replace him with another leader from the region," Kosgei said.

Belgut MP Nelson Koech echoed the sentiment saying the revelations by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki regarding the people involved in the Gen Z protests was enough cause to send him home.

"Because he sharpened his knife to take us home, we have also sharpened ours," he said.

Kindiki on Thursday said the Directorate of Criminal Investigations has evidence showing high-profile individuals allied to Gachagua facilitated Gen Z protests.

Gachagua however expressed reservation over the move by the DCI to propose charges against MPs allied to him and his aides, terming it political.

"The use of the criminal justice system to manage politics is an outdated political strategy that was used in the past," Gachagua said.

Senator Aaron Cheruiyot on his part told the MPs not to relent on their course.

"If you see it is no longer tenable for him to give us problems or to continue lecturing the president, just release him," he said.

Sources indicate that a formal impeachment motion has been prepared and set for tabling in Parliament next week.

Belgut MP Nelson Koech during the funeral service of former KEMRI boss in Kericho on September 27,2024.
Belgut MP Nelson Koech during the funeral service of former KEMRI boss in Kericho on September 27,2024.
Image: HANDOUT

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has announced his intention to move the motion and even claimed that the 117-signature threshold has already been met.

“I am the sponsor of the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. So far, I have received 242 signatures, and an additional six MPs are awaiting their turn to sign," Barasa told a local media station.

Koech died September 5 at age 73 after a long illness.

Koech, a highly esteemed figure in immunology and molecular medicine, will be remembered for his pivotal role in founding KEMRI.

In their tribute, the leaders described him as a savvy, sophisticated and rare intellectual.

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