‘Tone down’ – Khalwale tells Gachagua as impeachment claims gain momentum
By Ascah Mwango, September 26, 2024
Kakamega County Senator Bonny Khalwale has called on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to ease his focus on Mount Kenya region politics.
Khalwale, addressing the DP on social media platform X on Thursday, September 26, 2024, emphasized that Gachagua’s proximity to the presidency requires him to tone down his regional rhetoric.
“Mr. Deputy President, Rigathi, you are just a heartbeat away from the presidency. You have lectured us enough about Mount Kenya. It’s time to tone down, please,” Khalwale posted.
His comments follow Gachagua’s recent remarks during the interdenominational funeral service for 21 Hillside Academy victims at Mweiga Stadium.
The DP appealed for kindness towards the people of Mount Kenya, asserting their enduring presence in Kenya’s political landscape.
“These people were there, they are here today, and they will be here tomorrow. I appeal to everyone to treat the people of the mountain with the kindness they deserve because it is the right thing to do,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua impeachment woes
Gachagua’s frequent mentions of Mount Kenya have sparked criticism, with some labelling him as overly focused on regional interests rather than serving as a leader for the entire country. The remarks have only intensified calls for his impeachment.
Turkana North Member of Parliament, Ekwon Nabuin, is among those advocating for the DP’s removal from office.
Nabuin declared his readiness to sign and support any impeachment motion, citing Gachagua’s promotion of the “one man, one vote, one shilling” system, which Nabuin argues would harm marginalized communities like those in pastoralist regions.
Nabuin further accused Gachagua of prioritizing Mount Kenya politics over national unity, stating, “He has shown himself to be a tribalist, talking solely about Mount Kenya politics while neglecting his role as the Deputy President of Kenya.”
Amid growing impeachment discussions, Gachagua recently addressed the issue, revealing that he is well-informed about secret meetings aimed at his ouster.
During a televised interview on September 20, 2024, Gachagua claimed that these gatherings occurred in Nyahururu and at the home of a Cabinet Secretary, though he did not name them.
He also alleged that money had changed hands during a meeting in Kitsuru but refrained from providing specific details.