Gachagua impeachment: Low turnout on second day of public participation

By Peter Ochieng

Kenyans in all the 290 constituencies are giving their views in a public participation exercise, over the proposed removal from office by impeachment, of the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Unlike yesterday when the exercise was held in 47 stations signifying 47 counties across the country, today’s exercise has been marred by low turnout.

Initially, the National Assembly had planned to conduct the exercise for one day. However, the move to extend it today in constituencies was informed by an order from the Kerugoya Law Courts.

The order directed the August House to conduct the exercise in all the 290 constituencies, so as to accord more Kenyans a chance to have their views heard.

Kenyans have however seemingly shied away from today’s exercise, with only few turning up at constituency offices compared to yesterday.

Participants filled out a questionnaire outlining the 11 charges against the Deputy President. The document is available in both English and Kiswahili.

On Friday, Gachagua suffered yet another setback as the High Court declined to halt the ongoing public participation process.

High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi dismissed Gachagua’s attempt to stop the proceedings, and instructed him to serve the Speaker of the National Assembly and Parliament with suit papers by Wednesday, October 9th.

Earlier in the day at Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi, chants of “No Gachagua, no Ruto” rent the air.

Some Kenyans who turned up for the public participation exercise, maintained that President William Ruto and his deputy were elected on a single ticket in 2022, adding that if it is impeachment, then they both have to go.

In Nyeri, Gachagua’s home county, demonstrations broke out as locals accused Members of Parliament (MPs) of bribing people to support the impeachment process.

Gachagua is scheduled to appear before the National Assembly plenary on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, to defend himself against the charges.