Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has criticized Members of the National Assembly for rushing to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The DG asserted that this move by MPs shows Parliament is being effectively controlled by the executive. He noted that President William Ruto’s silence on the impeachment process suggests he has delegated the matter to his allies while remaining uninvolved.
“As the nation’s leader, President Ruto should clarify his stance so Kenyans can understand whether he supports his deputy or believes he is undermining him,” Mwangangi stated during an event in Machakos town.
He described the impeachment process as a politically orchestrated scheme aimed at influencing the 2027 presidential election. Mwangangi claimed that the much-touted public participation was biased, alleging that political adversaries orchestrated and funded the proceedings. “How can we accept a process where some MPs bribed individuals and transported them to public participation events with specific instructions to support their views?” he questioned.
The Deputy Governor accused the executive of coercing MPs into backing the impeachment to settle personal political grievances. He expressed concern that many MPs prioritize personal interests over the needs of their constituents, warning that their actions could jeopardize their chances for reelection in 2027.
Mwangangi asserted that the current parliament has lost public trust due to its willingness to align with the executive’s agenda. He remarked that the alleged public participation nearly became a national referendum against the Kenya Kwanza administration, with many Kenyans expressing a lack of confidence in the government.
“We must heed the voices of the people who believe it’s unnecessary to impeach the deputy president while leaving the president untouched. If anyone deserves impeachment, it’s both of them, as they are responsible for the current situation,” he suggested. He also called out President Ruto for breaking his promise not to subject his deputy to the same challenges he faced under former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Mwangangi emphasized that impeachment is not a viable solution for the conflicts between the president and his deputy, urging major church organizations like the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) and the National Council of Churches of Kenya to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation.
“Since politicians have disappointed Kenyans, the church remains a trustworthy entity that should lead discussions. What kind of nation would we be if even the deputy president had to rely on the Senate or courts for salvation?” he questioned.
He believes the relationship between President Ruto and Gachagua is irreparably damaged, which could lead to increased tensions at the constituency level. Additionally, Mwangangi called for his Wiper Democratic Party to discipline members who defied the party’s directive to oppose the impeachment motion. “Party positions must be respected, and the leadership should take action against any MPs who disregard this directive,” he asserted.
