One Key Issue Of Allowing Gachagua's Impeachment To Succeed- Naisula Lesuuda

Samburu West Member of Parliament Naisula Lesuuda on Thursday, October 3 declared her stance regarding the ongoing impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, while also revealing a possible plot twist in the event the motion sails through successfully.

In a statement, Lesuuda warned that impeaching Gachagua would not do any significant damage to his general career given how political atmospheres in Kenya have shifted in the favour of those facing impeachment.

Per the legislator's sentiments, a successful Gachagua impeachment would turn the tables and lead to an appointment to another government position.

"We have seen examples from the past, such as the impeachment of the then-Majority Leader Hon. Adan Duale who was later re-elected and now serves as a Cabinet Secretary. These experiences remind us that political positions can shift," she stated.

Lesuuda meanwhile refused to wade into the strife within the Kenya Kwanza administration and resisted the temptation to join in the DP Gachagua impeachment debate.

Further, she believed that the remarks by the second in command did not reach the level of instigating an impeachment against him, even though she firmly disagreed with them on the basis of creating divisions amongst Kenyans.

"In my experience of some years now both in life and politics, I have learnt the importance of choosing battles wisely. For me as an elected MP under the Azimio coalition, it is my view that Kenya Kwanza chose President Ruto and Deputy President Gachagua as their candidates for the top seats which they went ahead to occupy. However, I am not involved in the internal decisions or political rifts within their camp; Frankly, that does not concern me," she expressed.

"That being said, I firmly disagree with some of the Deputy President’s remarks particularly those that appear to create unnecessary divisions in our country. However, I do not believe these comments rise to the level of warranting an impeachment. In my opinion, countering such views through reasoned debate or a censure motion would be more appropriate."

Lesuuda expressed her commitment to remain focused in currently addressing more pressing matters that affect Kenyans. "Once Kenya Kwanza resolves its internal issues, we can all continue serving the country alongside whichever leader will be occupying the office of the Deputy President," she added.

Several MPs have stepped forward to defend Gachagua amid an impeachment motion initiated by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, which has garnered 291 signatures. Notably, Nyali MP Mohamed Ali stated that he did not support the process, claiming that it was the fruit of a political witch hunt.

"I have carefully read the charges in the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. In good faith, I do not support this cause of action and find it ill-intentioned seeking to demonize a public servant who has contributed immensely to this great country. Let it be known that I, Mohamed Ali Mohamed, did not sign the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua," he remarked. 

On the other hand, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya also expressed his opposition to the motion, maintaining that he would vote against it when the time comes.

The National Assembly announced public participation across 47 countries to take place on Friday, October 4, as part of impeachment proceedings against DP Gachagua. Today’s sitting has been suspended to allow administrative arrangements necessary to facilitate the programme for public participation in the impeachment of the second in command.

Parliament has equally invited all Kenyans to present their views on Gachagua’s impeachment motion. Submissions are to be emailed to [email protected] on or before Saturday, 5th October 2024.

Kenyans’ views will be collated in public hearings to be held on Friday, October 4, across the country from 8 am to 5 pm.