‘Hadi Tukakunywa Chai Chini ya Mti’: Senator Methu’s Heartfelt Swipe at Ruto as Gachagua is Ousted.

Once allies under the Kenyan sun, sharing tea beneath a tree, Senator John Methu now reflects on the bitter fallout between President William Ruto and his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua. What once seemed like an unbreakable bond has now unraveled, leaving Methu to express his dismay over a relationship that has come to its tragic end.

In a statement on his X handle on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Methu expressed his sorrow over the fallout, recalling the early days when Gachagua and Ruto appeared inseparable. “Hadi tukakunywa chai chini ya mti, lakini wapi,” Methu agonized, highlighting the stark contrast between their past unity and the present division.

Methu had been one of the few leaders who stood by Gachagua during his impeachment trial in the Senate. He was also present alongside Gachagua at the rural home of the Deputy President during the swearing-in ceremony of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on November 1, 2024.

Despite the controversy, Methu remained one of the senators who backed Gachagua, alongside Kajiado County Senator Seki ole Kanar, Kiambu’s Karungo Thang’wa, and Murang’a’s Joe Nyutu, among others. Their solidarity was evident during the impeachment trial when 67 senators found Gachagua guilty on five counts but cleared him of six charges.

The Senate upheld the first count of gross violation of several constitutional articles, including Article 10 (2)(a), (b), and (c), as well as Articles 73, 75, 129, and 147, marking a decisive moment in Gachagua’s political journey. However, on the second charge of undermining presidential and cabinet direction, 39 senators voted to acquit him, while 28 found that he had indeed undermined the president.

The embattled Deputy President was also absolved on charges of undermining devolution. Yet, he was removed from office for violating constitutional provisions on the independence of judges. On October 17, 2024, Speaker Amason Kingi confirmed that Gachagua had been impeached, ceasing to hold office thereafter.

This came after Gachagua’s lead counsel, Paul Muite, had pleaded for additional time for his client to recover from illness before facing the 11 charges against him. However, despite Gachagua’s absence due to severe chest pains, the Senate moved forward with the vote, securing his removal.

In the aftermath of the decision, Gachagua appealed to his base in the Mt. Kenya region to refrain from speaking out about his impeachment, urging them to focus on charting a path forward.

As Gachagua’s political career takes a dramatic turn, his call for silence from the Mt. Kenya region signals that the final chapter may not have been written yet. While the Senate has made its decision, the story of Gachagua and Ruto’s fallout is far from over, and the political implications will continue to unfold.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.