Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana has filed a censure motion against embattled Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, complicating the chances for his survival following reports of his planned impeachment.

In the motion filed on September 23, 2024, Mungatana argues that Gachagua has contravened Article 75 of the Constitution which stipulates the conduct with which state officers should carry themselves.

The senator further states that some of the remarks made by Gachagua concerning government appointments have served to marginalize regions that are perceived not to have voted for the ruling government.

Tiff with Sakaja

Also, Mungatana contends that the recent remarks over the tiff pitting Gachagua and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja have served to encourage civilians to disobey lawful directions of the county government.

“Aware that pursuant to Article 147 of the Constitution, the holder of the Office of the Deputy President is the principal assistant to the President making the Office a symbol of national unity whose holder must at all times respect, uphold and safeguard the Constitution; promote and enhance the unity of the Nation, and promote respect for the diversity of the people and communities of Kenya,” the motion reads in part.

Adding: “Concerned that Hon. Rigathi Gachagua, E.G.H. on several occasions since his assumption to the Office of Deputy President, has made utterances, among others, regarding employment opportunities to Kenyans in the public service; allocation of resources to the devolved units; and incitement of a section of Kenyans to disobey lawful directives by some county governments.”

Contravenes constitution

 Mungatana opines that the utterances of Gachagua have contravened Article 10 of the constitution and have caused heightened further ethnic tensions in the country.

“Now, therefore, the Senate, pursuant to Standing Order 101(1), expresses its displeasure and disappointment with the conduct of Hon. Rigathi Gachagua, E.G.H., as the Deputy President of Kenya and censures him,” the motion concludes.

If approved by Senate speaker Amason Kingi, senators will express their views about Gachagua during a plenary session.

During the session, senators will be tasked to justify reasons for expressing their disapproval of Gachagua.

The senator further notes that the Deputy President had fixed his focus on serving regional interests instead of the whole country in accordance with the oath of office that he took.

In a televised interview on Friday, September 21, 2024, Gachagua divulged that he was aware his detractors have been embroiled in night meetings plotting to impeach him.

He, however, warned that any such actions could occasion unnecessary instability in the government.