Mount Kenya MPs Stage Surprise U-Turn, Abandon Push to Impeach Gachagua.

A section of Members of Parliament from the Mt Kenya region, who had initially supported the motion to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, have now had a change of heart. MPs Geoffrey Wandeto from Tetu, Rahab Mukami from Nyeri, and Njoroge Wainaina from Kieni have announced their decision to withdraw from the efforts to oust Gachagua.

“After soul-searching and reading through the motion, I realized this is something our deputy president and the President should sit down and resolve because Kenya is bigger than all of us. I have listened to the people of Nyeri, and they do not want the deputy president removed,” said Rahab Mukami.

“When we ask our people, they are saying they do not see this impeachment as a priority. They believe we should be focusing on other important matters. As representatives, it is our duty to listen and act according to their wishes. Therefore, I will be voting NO,” added Geoffrey Wandeto.

The shift by these MPs comes just a day after their names were mentioned in Parliament as signatories of the motion to eject Gachagua from office. The legislators, hailing from Gachagua’s stronghold in Nyeri County, now advocate for reconciliation between the President and his Deputy.

“Our deputy president, please go to the President and ask for forgiveness. And for our President, please sit down with the deputy, talk, and resolve this,” urged MP Mukami.

However, not all MPs from the Deputy President’s stronghold have changed their stance. Those who still support the impeachment include Eric Wamumbi from Mathira, Wambugu Wainaina from Othaya, and Duncan Mathenge from Nyeri Town.

Additionally, the Woman Representative for Embu, Pamela Njoki, has also reversed her position. In an official statement, Njoki mentioned that she had signed the motion but withdrew her support after consulting with Embu residents.

With today’s public participation event on the impeachment, could this growing shift in opinion among MPs be a sign of more changes to come in Gachagua’s political future?

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.