Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) secretary general Francis Atwoli has rubbished reports that he could be eying the deputy president’s position in case Rigathi Gachagua is impeached.

In a statement on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Atwoli said that if the next deputy president comes from the western region, he can only act as an elder and advisor.

“Those people who are busy peddling rumours under some unknown research document, on who should be considered for DP from Western Kenya, should stop and forget such unprocessed thoughts. The luhyas have known leaders, in government, who represent the community ably,” Atwoli stated.

“I am a trade unionist, period. And I do not desire any other elective or appointive seat. If there is anything coming for the Luhya community we have known political leaders who speak for the community politically and represent us in government. I am just an elder and advisor.”

Gachagua impeachment

Gachagua was impeached by the National Assembly on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, after 281 MPs voted to impeach him, while 44 backed him and one abstained.

Gachagua faced 11 counts of impeachment revolving around gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office and corruption.

Gachagua is set to face the entire Senate after a motion to set up an 11-member special committee to handle his impeachment failed on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

If at least two-thirds of the Senate members—comprising 67 total, including 47 elected and 20 nominated—vote to uphold any impeachment charges, the deputy president shall cease to hold office, as specified in Article 145 (7).

This means that a minimum of 45 senators must support the motion to remove the deputy president from office.