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A section of Murang’a leaders have vowed to thwart schemes by a section of lawmakers to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua whom they vowed to defend.

The leaders led by Murang’a Deputy Governor Stephen Munania, nominated MP Sabina Chege, Kangema MP Peter Kihungi and his Gatanga counterpart Edward Muriu said that the impeachment plot is an affront to the people of Mt Kenya region.

Gachagua’s defence

Among other things, the leaders took issue with the masterminds of Gachagua’s impeachment saying they will not participate in sideshows and retrogressive politicking.

Speaking during Golden Jubilee celebrations of ACK Thika Memorial Church School in Gatanga, Murang’a County which was graced by Gachagua and his spouse pastor Dorcus Gachagua, the leaders urged fellow politicians to shun divisive politics and instead embark on providing solutions for the social-economic challenges bedeviling Kenyans.

They urged the political class to shift focus to issues as opposed to individuals as the elections are more than three years away.

“To my fellow parliamentarians, I humbly request you, let us stop thinking about personalities but the issues that affect the people. We have no time for sideshows. I have heard the impeachment rumours but I will not and cannot sign, I have no time for that. We will sit in parliament and discuss things that are helpful to the nation,” Chege said.

The nominated MP at the same time challenged President William Ruto’s administration to stop seeking solutions to Kenya’s challenges from men and instead go back to the foundation of the current government.

“Stop looking for solutions from individuals. Remember your foundation is in God. You started on the foundation of God, he has the solutions to this nation and not individuals,” she said.

On his part, Kihungi termed as being insensitive to Kenyans, the plot to impeach Gachagua saying that his constituents have already warned him against engaging in such tactics.

“If we go ahead and introduce impeachment, that is being insensitive to Kenyans who have gone through a lot of hardships ranging from floods to protests, among other challenges. Let us utilize the two years remaining to deliver quality services to Kenyans. My people have warned that if I dare sign your impeachment then I’ll be dethroned. They forgave me for okaying Finance Bill 2024 but have warned that they will not tolerate any plans to impeach you (Gachagua),” Kihungi added.

MP Muriu urged Gachagua to remain strong and manoeuvre through the current storm to become a stronger leader.

He, however, admonished the planners of the impeachment motion saying that Kenya is currently grappling with leadership, economic, unemployment and debt crisis which leaders should prioritize solving.

“Great men are made not during peace but during crises. Kenya is under leadership, economic, unemployment and debt crisis. In Mt Kenya, we have no other leader but you (Gachagua) and you know what to do and the gears to apply. Even in this crisis, you’re going to overcome,” Muriu noted.

When he rose to address the congregation, Gachagua told off those behind hammering him politically saying they should be allowed to exercise their political theatrics.

He, however, warned that the citizenry will teach anyone unaligned to their issues a lesson and urged leaders to consider listening to the people to better serve them.

Gachagua’s promises

The second in command promised to help fast-track implementation of some development projects requested by the school management among them putting up a footbridge near the learning institution, helping them complete the school’s auditorium and expanding neighbouring schools to decongest ACK Thika Memorial Church school.

“Those who want to continue politicking should be allowed to continue but after doing all that, the ground will tell them the truth. When you get time, talk to these people who are our bosses. Also, find time to talk to the clergy who live with Christians every day and they will tell you the truth so that you make the right decisions and align yourself with the people,” Gachagua said.