National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei has accused Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of treason, following his controversial remarks during his recent public appearances, as the impeachment debate intensifies.
The embattled second in command is facing a motion of impeachment, sponsored by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse and supported by a majority of MPs, with the National Assembly set to hear his defence later on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
Speaking during the impeachment debate at the National Assembly, Shollei claimed that Gachagua’s actions demonstrate gross misconduct, rendering him unfit to continue serving as the Deputy President.
Shollei pointed to a recent rally in Githurai, where she said Gachagua led chants calling for President William Ruto’s removal, suggesting he is a ‘one-term president.’ According to Shollei, the DP’s failure to denounce such chants implicates him in serious offences.
“During the rally in Githurai, which was presided over by the DP, he was involved in leading chants saying Ruto must go and is a one-term president. He never denounced those statements. What that amounts to is that he is guilty of treason and other allied offences.
“So Rigathi Gachagua cannot expect to remain in office as Deputy President when he took part in undermining the president and campaigning against the president. His tenure as a principal assistant is not tenable by any interpretation,” Shollei stated.
Further escalating her criticism, Shollei referenced comments Gachagua made during a church appearance in Meru. She alleged that the Deputy President insinuated that his removal from office would incite violence among the Mt. Kenya community, a remark she considered treasonous and gross misconduct.
“During his appearance in a church in Meru, the DP insinuated that if he’s removed, the tribes of Kenya native to Mt. Kenya will revolt and be violent. Again, that shows that the Deputy President is guilty of treason and other allied offences, which amounts to gross misconduct,” she added.
Shollei also cited Gachagua’s recent disclosure of details from the Kenya Kwanza pre-election pact, noting that this violated a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) signed by coalition partners.
“As late as yesterday, if I had any doubt that he must be impeached, he made it very clear. He went to disclose details of the Kenya Kwanza pre-election pact. This is contrary to the Non-Disclosure Agreement signed by parties,” she said.
Gachagua’s impeachment has sparked intense political debate across the country, with lawmakers divided on the issue. His critics accuse him of undermining President Ruto and creating divisions within the government.
Gachagua begs for forgiveness
During a church service at the National Prayer Altar in Nairobi on Sunday, October 6, 2024, Gachagua publicly sought forgiveness from President Ruto and Kenyans, ahead of a parliamentary vote that could lead to his impeachment. In an emotional appeal, Gachagua acknowledged that his actions, in the pursuit of his duties, may have caused offence.
Addressing President Ruto directly, Gachagua asked for forgiveness.
“If, in our zeal to work, I have wronged you, please find it in your heart to forgive me.”
He also extended an apology on behalf of his wife, specifically regarding her work advocating for the boy child, and expressed regret if any misunderstandings arose from it.
Additionally, Gachagua admitted that his public praise of voters might have caused discomfort within the political sphere. He emphasized that his intentions were never harmful but were meant to show appreciation for the electorate.
“We did not mean bad; we were appreciating the people who voted for us. If you feel that we rubbed you the wrong way, please find it in your heart to forgive me.”
