Nyeri leaders tell off MP threatening to impeach Gachagua

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. [Kelly Ayodi, Standard]

Nyeri leaders have told off an MP on threats to table an impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

This comes after Bumula MP Jack Wamboka threatened a motion in the National Assembly to oust the deputy president.

Wamboka was reacting to remarks made by DP Gachagua in late December, asking Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to go slow on business and matatu operators in the city.

“I have invited Sakaja for a discussion on any decision he makes that can negatively affect the business community in the city, we don’t want to rush things,” he said.

And on Monday, Wamboka claimed the DP has uncontrollably been leaning towards Mt Kenya side.

“Sakaja was elected by Kenyans in Nairobi, we want to call out the DP to respect himself and people of Nairobi, in fact at some point I will bring a motion to discuss your conduct and impeach you," he said.

But Mt Kenya leaders led by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga have dared Wamboka to table the motion.

“Any person who thinks he has power to bring in an impeachment motion should know we are more than ready to tackle them on the floor of the House," he said.

Kahiga urged Azimio allied lawmakers to respect the DP since majority of Kenyans who voted for both President William Ruto and Gachagua had confidence in them.

“We must remember that the DP comes from a certain region and he must speak on behalf of his people, so stop blaming him for defending the mountain people,” he said.

Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga urged the DP to soldier on fighting for Mt Kenya residents. He said those behind the impeachment motion want to distract the government from delivering its promise to Kenyans.

“We urge you DP Gachagua to continue with the fight for farmers in coffee and tea sectors and the business people in the city,” he said.

Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia urged all leaders in the Kenya Kwanza coalition to give a deaf ear to those making sentiments that can cause incitement.

“We do not want leaders propelling tribal division, we want leaders who will bring economic development," he said.  

Nyeri MP Duncan Maina said the DP remarks were not tribal but called for wider consultation between the Nairobi governor and different stakeholders in the central business district.

He said he will be among first lawmakers to shoot down the impeachment motion once Parliament resumes next month.

“Those trying to paint the DP comments as tribal are myopic since the matatu industry involves every Kenyan community," he said.