Mandera County Senator Ali Roba has proposed scrapping the position of running mates in gubernatorial and presidential elections.

In a statement shared on his X account on Sunday, October 13, 2024, Roba suggested amending the Constitution and relevant laws to allow elected leaders to appoint their deputies after winning elections.

The senator claims that this is intended to minimize cases of disobedience by fostering a more unified and cooperative relationship between leaders and their deputies.

“Maybe we should propose amendments to the constitution and relevant acts to eliminate the requirement for running mates in gubernatorial and presidential elections.

“Instead, elected governors and the president would appoint their deputies after the election. This change aims to reduce instances of insubordination by ensuring a more cohesive working relationship between leaders and their deputies,” Roba stated.

Gachagua’s fate

Roba’s remarks come in the wake of mounting political tension in the country following the National Assembly’s recent decision to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

On Tuesday, October 8, an overwhelming majority of 281 MPs voted in favour of the motion to impeach Gachagua, with only 44 MPs opposing the decision. One MP abstained from the vote.

The Deputy President faces 11 charges, including misconduct and abuse of office. With a massive majority in Parliament supporting the impeachment, Gachagua’s political career now lies in the hands of the Senate, where the final decision will be made.

After appearing before the National Assembly with his legal team, Gachagua defended himself against the charges put forward as grounds for his impeachment. He refuted the allegations by presenting video clips from various media outlets to counter the claims.

Gachagua’s case is now with the Senate, which has 10 days, after Speaker Amason Kingi received notification from his National Assembly counterpart, to investigate the 11 charges and determine the DP’s fate in plenary.

Gachagua will survive if fewer than 45 senators vote for his removal. However, if 45 or more of the 67 senators support the motion, his seat will be declared vacant.