Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi has denied reports that he has initiated the process of impeaching Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

In a statement on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, Wamumbi termed fake a letter being circulated online allegedly authored by him.

The letter, addressed to the National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula accused Gachagua of several offences which warrant his impeachment.

In his statement, Wamumbi asked leaders and persons who authored the letter to focus on their work and avoid sideshows.

“Attention. Kindly note that the letter doing round on social media is fake. I ask all leaders to focus on their work, and avoid sideshows,” Wamumbi stated.

Wamumbi, Gachagua differences

This comes at a time the two leaders are at loggerheads over undisclosed reasons, causing a stir in the political arena.

In a statement on Sunday, July 7, 2024, Wamumbi rubbished claims that their differences bordered around the fight against alcoholism in central Kenya.

The MP has also threatened to spill the beans on the differences he is having with Gachagua, saying the “truth is bigger than that”.

“It is true. There is a Rift between the Deputy President and I. The rift is not about the closed bars in Karatina town which have left the town dead for four months. It is about something bigger than that, he should say the truth and nothing but the truth. I will be telling the truth, and the people of Mathira will pick which side to believe in,” Wamumbi stated.

This came moments after Gachagua accused some leaders in the Kenya Kwanza government of pride and sabotage.

Gachagua has also accused a section of leaders of undermining President William Ruto by disregarding directives from the Executive arm of government and reopening bars that were closed in the fight against alcoholism.

“I would like to tell government officers all over Kenya, I am not aware of any decision by the government or cabinet to reopen bars that were selling illicit brews. Those instructions (to reopen the bars) are illegal and are part of the political schemes that are going on in this country. Those schemes are destroying the country, they are not building the country,” Gachagua said.

Wamumbi orders bars reopened

On Monday, July 8, 2024, Wamumbi has ordered bar operators to reopen their businesses.

Wamumbi stated that bar operators in his constituency are not selling illicit brews and should reopen their premises, which are duly licensed by county governments.

“Bar operators from Mathira will not undergo any further suffering for not doing their legitimate businesses, yet they have operation licenses. Why is it that in other constituencies businesses are going on as usual, but only in Mathira are there closing orders?” Wamumbi posed.

He said bar owners in the constituency are not sellers of poisonous products and therefore should not be punished.