Nyeri County Senator Wahome Wamatinga has given former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua 48 hours to apologize over claims that he was bribed with Ksh 10 million to vote against him during the Senate impeachment trial.
Through his lawyer, Wycliff Nyabuto, Wamatinga refutes the allegations, terming them defamatory and damaging to his reputation.
The senator argues that Gachagua’s remarks, made in Machakos on March 2, this year were widely circulated in mainstream media and on social platforms, further amplifying their impact.
“The distribution of the defamatory material against our client has, and continues to, extend beyond Kenya due to your significant online following,” reads the demand letter.
Wamatinga asserts that the remarks portrayed him as dishonest and politically compromised, causing him extreme embarrassment and harm. He insists he was never approached or offered money to vote against Gachagua.
“Our client takes issue with your defamatory statements and vehemently denies ever being bribed to vote against you during the Senate impeachment trial,” the letter states.
According to the senator, Gachagua allegedly said:
“Senator wa kwangu alipewa 10 million shillings akaniuza, hawa wenu ndio walinifunika uchi fom Ukambani.”
Wamatinga argues that these words implied he lacks political integrity and is incapable of effectively performing his duties.
The senator has warned that if Gachagua fails to issue a public apology by the close of business on March 9, legal action will be taken immediately.
