Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda has dismissed allegations that she pocketed Ksh.10 million to support the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Speaking on Citizen TV’s DayBreak show, Senator Mutinda was put on the spot by Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, who alleged that every member of the Senate was offered Ksh.10 million to vote in favor of Gachagua’s ouster. Nyutu claimed he personally turned down the money but insisted Mutinda accepted it.
“The issue of bribery and the Ksh.10 million, Sen. Tabitha says I’m frustrated, with what? Let her swear before God and Kenyans today that she didn’t receive the Ksh.10 million,” Nyutu pressed.
Mutinda firmly rejected the accusations, terming them baseless.
“Did you give me anything? It is sad, so sad. I did not receive anything to impeach Gachagua. Just manage your frustrations and move forward,” she retorted, urging her colleague to let the matter rest, saying the impeachment process was already concluded.
The bribery claims trace back to September 2024, when Gachagua himself alleged at a rally in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, that Senators and MPs were being offered Ksh.5 million each to back the motion against him. He further claimed that his allies, Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina and Kirinyaga Senator James Murango, rejected the alleged inducements.
The Senate impeached Gachagua on October 17, 2024, after a two-day session that involved submission of evidence and intense cross-examination. Senators upheld five out of the 11 charges tabled against him, sealing his removal from office.
Despite the denials, the bribery allegations have reignited debate about the integrity of parliamentary processes and the conduct of leaders during high-stakes political trials.
Written By Rodney Mbua
