According to a section of Mt. Kenya’s senators, President William Ruto, and his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, experienced significant disagreements that rendered collaboration impossible.
Before voting on the impeachment, it has been reported that there were clandestine meetings discussing the efforts to impeach the removed deputy president and the strained dynamics within the presidency.
Lawmakers from both the National Assembly and the Senate reportedly held separate meetings with President Gachagua and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, who has been nominated to succeed the ousted Deputy President.
Reports suggest that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua faced an ultimatum, as some leaders from Mt. Kenya pressured him to resign following unsuccessful reconciliation attempts.
During a broadcast on Inooro TV, Senators Karungo wa Thangwa, John Methu, and Tabitha Karanja disclosed that the unification efforts involved both politicians and senior clerics.
“Anyone who has spoken with Ruto will confirm that the President did not wish to discuss Gachagua. ” Even the bishops, including the head of the ACK Church, were informed that discussions would not occur until after the impeachment, stated Senator John Methu.
“Those orchestrating the impeachment are urging us to advise Gachagua to resign, allowing him the opportunity to compete in 2027 and also to benefit from the privileges of a former deputy president,” detailed Senator Karungo Wa Thangwa.
Despite separate meetings with Gachagua, Kindiki, and Ruto, the leaders remained unclear about the underlying reasons for the rift between the president and his deputy. “I met separately with both the President and Rigathi Gachagua. ” “I listened to them, and in my own judgment, I concluded that their political bromance was irretrievable,” Senator Tabitha Karanja revealed.
Those supporting Gachagua have maintained that his impeachment was a politically motivated maneuver executed unlawfully and with significant animosity toward him.
“When we pass a new law, the Speaker takes up to a month to have it gazetted. ” “But this impeachment matter was being conducted in haste,” Methu noted.
“The president is required to nominate a deputy within 14 days. ” Parliament has a maximum of 60 days to evaluate the nominee. In total, the constitution allocates 74 days. “Who are you to accomplish all this in two days? ” Senator Karungo wa Thangwa questioned.
According to reports, some senators were allegedly paid up to Ksh 10 million to impeach Gachagua. Nonetheless, a segment of lawmakers asserted that they exercised sound judgment and remained resolute on the issue.
“Many cast their votes to safeguard their positions in parliament, their businesses, and due to financial considerations. ” “If Senator Tabitha is truthful, she can reveal that a significant amount of money was provided to senators to impeach Gachagua,” Methu alleged.
These allegations arise as the former Deputy President is anticipated to appear before the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) following his statement on Sunday regarding plots against him.