Samburu West Member of Parliament Naisula Lesuuda has frankly opposed the move to remove Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office through impeachment.
In a statement on Thursday, October 3, 2024, Naisula argued that participating in Gachagua’s impeachment motion can be construed as interfering with United Democratic Alliance (UDA) internal affairs.
The lawmaker opined that the move to impeach DP Gachagua is more of a UDA wrangle than a national affair.
“In my experience of some years now both in life and politics, I have learnt the importance of choosing battles wisely. For me as an elected MP under the Azimio coalition, it is my view that Kenya Kwanza chose President Ruto and Deputy President Gachagua as their candidates for the top seats which they went ahead to occupy. However, I am not involved in the internal decisions or political rifts within their camp; Frankly, that does not concern me,” she boldly stated.
Her proposal
According to the Samburu West MP, the UDA legislators ought to have tabled a censure motion instead of an impeachment motion. She highlighted that some of the issues raised in the motion including tribalism do not warrant an impeachment but censure.
However, Naisula made it clear that she does not support some of the utterances made by DP Gachagua which could be viewed as divisive.
“That being said, I firmly disagree with some of the Deputy President’s remarks particularly those that appear to create unnecessary divisions in our country. However, I do not believe these comments rise to the level of warranting an impeachment. In my opinion, countering such views through reasoned debate or a censure motion would be more appropriate,” she added.
Nonetheless, Naisula vowed to continue addressing pertinent issues affecting Kenyans instead of delving into political processes.
“At the moment, my focus remains on addressing more pressing matters that affect our citizens. Once Kenya Kwanza resolves their internal issues, we can all continue serving the country alongside whichever leader will be occupying the office of the Deputy President.”
Public participation
With different opinions trickling in on the impeachment motion which was tabled by Kibwezi MP Mwengi Mutuse, Kenyans are also expected to give their voice on the motion.
They will be expected to officially submit their views on Friday, October 4, 2024, at different venues designated by the National Assembly before Mutuse is allowed to prosecute his case against Gachagua on Tuesday, September 8, 2024.
After a proper hearing and tabling of evidence, DP Gachagua would be granted an opportunity to defend himself on the same day before the MPs vote on the impeachment motion.
If it passes, the motion would be passed to the Senate where the final decision would be made on Gachagua’a’s fate.
The National Assembly invites all Kenyans are to present their views on the Special Motion for Removal from Office by Impeachment of Deputy President, H.E Rigathi Gachagua.
— National Assembly KE (@NAssemblyKE) October 2, 2024
Submissions to be emailed to [email protected] on or before Saturday, 5th October 2024.
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