There seems to be a renewed attempt to remove Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office. Around 69 MPs, mostly from Mt Kenya, pledged support for Interior CS Kithure Kindiki as the new leader for Central Kenya.
Gachagua is the same person who was elected Deputy President in 2022. It is alleged that he is high-handed and sectarian but this is hardly sufficient justification for impeachment. One could make similar allegations about many politicians who are not facing impeachment motions.
Soon after the 2017 election, President Uhuru Kenyatta accused his then DP William Ruto of going "tanga tanga", essentially of campaigning around the country prematurely. This was condemned as unfair and Ruto survived until his successful campaign for President in 2022.
So, even if Gachagua is trying to become the Mt Kenya kingpin, or even if he is surreptitiously preparing a presidential bid, is that sufficient justification for impeachment? Has he behaved differently to vice presidents before him?
If Ruto or the Mt Kenya MPs want to replace Gachagua, let them do it in 2027 when the President can choose a new running mate to be his deputy. Before then, any impeachment motion is premature and unnecessary.
Quote of the day: "Education is freedom."
Paulo Freire
The Brazilian philosopher was born on September 19, 1921
