Former Makueni County Governor Kivutha Kibwana has called on prominent religious leaders to mediate the issues between President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua.
In his statement shared via his official X account on Sunday, October 13, 2024, Kibwana expressed that one political group should not use the Constitution to fight another.
“Prominent faith sector leaders should mediate between President and Deputy. Despite differences, Pres Kibaki & PM Raila served their term ( 2008-12). And so did Uhuru & Ruto during their 2017-22 tumultuous years,” the former county head said.
He also pointed out that it is time for a convention of the president and deputy serving full term to be established, adding that the dispute between the president and his deputy is not about good governance.
“We should establish a convention of Pres & DP serving Full Term. Art. 27(4) Const. forbids discrimination of basis of ethnic origin. Art 91 forbids ethnic based political parties. Recognizing the citizenship of Nubians, Makonde, Shona etc is great. However it is wrong to marginalize Mt Kenya/South Eastern groups or other classes, sectors etc.
“The constitution should never be misused by one political group to fight another. That is the simple point I am making. In 2007/8 we almost lost Kenya. Governors & their Deputies fight day in day out for no good reason. The President & Deputy fight is not about good governance,” he added.
Kibwana’s comments come amid an ongoing impeachment motion against DP Gachagua.
Last week, 281 Member of Parliament (MPs) voted to impeach the DP over various grounds including abuse of office, violation of the Constitution and gross misconduct among others.
The DP’s fate now lies with the senate where he will be tried in plenary sessions following his impeachment by the National Assembly.