Beleaguered Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday asked for forgiveness ahead of his crucial meeting with Members of Parliament, who will decide on his potential removal from office through impeachment. In a passionate appeal during a church service at the National Prayer Altar in Nairobi, Gachagua expressed his desire for reconciliation, stating that if he has wronged anyone in his role as Deputy President of Kenya, they should find it in their hearts to forgive him.
Gachagua extended his appeal to President William Ruto and the MPs who have tabled his impeachment in Parliament. “I want to say to my brother President William Ruto, if, in our zeal to work, I have wronged you, please find it in your heart to forgive me. If my spouse, in her duties with the boy child, has wronged you in any way, please find it in your heart to forgive her,” Gachagua pleaded.
Turning to the MPs, he reiterated his request for forgiveness. He appeared to reference his previous comments about being shareholders in the government upon taking office in 2022, clarifying that his intentions were merely to appreciate the support he and Ruto received from their constituents. “If our utterances made you feel uncomfortable, we did not mean any harm. We were simply recognizing the people who voted for us. If we rubbed you the wrong way, please find it in your heart to forgive me,” he further implored.
This heartfelt appeal comes amid an impeachment motion in Parliament, where Gachagua is accused of gross misconduct and violations of the Constitution. Specific allegations include disrespecting the president and unlawfully amassing wealth since taking office.
Gachagua firmly denies any wrongdoing, characterizing the impeachment as a political witch hunt stemming from his support for his Mt. Kenya constituency. As public participation in the impeachment proceedings continues, many Kenyans are calling for both Gachagua and Ruto to vacate their offices, expressing their frustration over the current leadership. The Kenya Kwanza administration is facing mounting pressure to ensure accountability and better governance in response to public demands.
Article By Suzy Nyongesa.