UDA party submits motion for the impeachment of Gachagua

By Robert Mutasi 

The United Democratic Alliance party has tabled its motion before the National Assembly for the impeachment of the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. 

The motion was seconded with various allegations ranging from gross misconduct to violations of the Constitution and dramatizes an interesting moment in the political lifecycle of Kenya.

The charges against Gachagua are outlined in the UDA's submission to Parliament, dated October 2024, where a string of charges has been leveled against him over concerns of his conduct in office. 

The impeachment motion is anchored on several key violations of the Constitution, with alleged breaches of Articles 110(2)(a), 147(1), and 129(1) at the heart of the motion. 

The charges mainly revolve around accusations that he has undermined both the President and the Cabinet and thereby conducted himself in a manner that would affect the smooth running of government operations.

Among the most serious allegations levelled against UDA is that Gachagua has totally failed to foster national unity as required by Article 131(2) and 147(1) of the Constitution. 

The party shows that his utterances and public actions have divided the country and are thus destabilizing the government. 

He is further charged with gross misconduct in the discharge of the duties of his office, specifically for non-performance of the duty of ensuring that the nation is well represented in any international forum assigned to him.

What's more, the UDA party questions Gachagua's commitment to devolution.

 He is said to have acted in contravention of Articles 174, 186, 189, and the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution and, consequently, undermined efforts to strengthen devolved governments across the country.

Another important aspect of the motion involves alleged public insubordination of President William Ruto by Gachagua.

 UDA accuses the Deputy President of undermining authority of the President, creating tension in the executive arm of government. 

The party also cited incitement and failure to foster inclusivity and peaceful coexistence among various communities as further concerns regarding his involvement.

The National Assembly will debate the motion during the ongoing third session.

 UDA has now called on the public to give their views on the matter through responses using the official channels provided by Parliament. 

Citizens have until October 4, 2024, to give their views before the House decides on the way forward over the impeachment process.

Were the impeachment motion to sail through the National Assembly, the country's Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, would face trial in the Senate, where debates on charges against him would take center stage. 

In such a case, he might be removed from office if found guilty by the Senate of the alleged misconduct.

Later on, this might set a precedent that could have far-reaching implications for Kenya's political stability and the future leadership of the UDA party.