The controversial motion to impeach Deputy President H.E. Rigathi Gachagua has revealed a striking lack of support … especially from constituents across the Mt. Kenya region, as per a detailed report released by the National Assembly.
The report, assessing responses from the 290 constituencies, showed overwhelming opposition among residents in Nyeri County, where the Mukurweini Constituency reported the highest disapproval rate at an astounding 97.42%.
In a profound indication of support for Gachagua, who previously represented Mathira from 2017 until 2022, 96.97% of participants from the area opposed the proposed ouster.
Nyeri County consistently displayed strong sentiment against the motion, with significant disapproval rates recorded in Nyeri Town (96.93%), Kieni (91.77%), Tetu (87.37%), and Othaya (86.54%).
Support for Gachagua wasn’t confined to Nyeri alone; neighboring Nakuru County also showed backing, particularly from Subukia (97.16%) and Naivasha (94.94%), reflecting a regional consensus against the impeachment.
Even in Murang’a County, resistance to the motion was palpable, especially in Kigumo (95.40%), Kangema (95.36%), and Kandara (91.38%). Similar patterns emerged elsewhere, with other constituencies like Maragwa (82.40%) and Gatanga (77.92%) also demonstrating notable disapproval.
The sentiments in the Nairobi area were less pronounced but still indicative of a reluctant acceptance of Gachagua’s leadership. Embakasi Central and North, alongside Embakasi South and Starehe, recorded opposition rates of 79.81%, 81.28%, 73.33%, and 67.22%, respectively.
In Kiambu County, the disapproval for the motion remained strong across various constituencies, with Thika Town leading at 78.86%, while other constituencies like Githunguri (77.67%), Gatundu North (77.42%), and Gatundu South (75.00%) echoed similar sentiments.
Turning to the Eastern region, Kitui Rural Constituency emerged as a stronghold for Gachagua as well, with 93.36% of respondents opposing the impeachment. Other Eastern constituencies, including Mwingi North (85.60%) and Kibwezi East (67.56%), further fortified this trend.
Despite the evident support reflected from the constituents, the political tides turned dramatically on Tuesday, October 8, when the National Assembly voted to impeach Gachagua.
A decisive 281 MPs rallied in favor of the motion, while only 44 opposed it and a single MP chose to abstain. Majority of the MPs were from constituencies that did not support the impeachment.
The matter has since been transmitted to the Senate for further deliberation, as mandated by Standing Order 64(6) and 65, setting the stage for what could be a contentious battle in the upper house.
Political analysts are now keenly observing how this impeachment saga, which has revealed stark divisions within the political landscape, unfolds as it heads to the Senate.