Questions have emerged after several MPs from Kenya’s Mount Kenya region, who initially signed a motion to remove Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, reversed their stance and now oppose the motion.
The MPs, who hail from Gachagua’s home county of Nyeri, include Geoffrey Wandeto of Tetu, Njoroge Wainaina (Tetu), and Nyeri County Woman Representative Rahab Mukami. Another MP, Embu County Woman Representative Pamela Njoki, has also withdrawn her support for the motion, which is being sponsored by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse.
These four lawmakers were part of the 291 MPs whose names were read by Mutuse in Parliament on Tuesday afternoon as supporting the move to oust Gachagua on 11 charges, including violations of the Constitution.
However, the MPs explained that they changed their position after listening to the sentiments of their constituents, who oppose the removal of Gachagua. They also claimed that upon reviewing the motion, they found the accusations against the Deputy President to be unfounded.
Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukami stated, “After carefully reviewing the motion, I realized these are issues that the Deputy President and the President can resolve through dialogue because Kenya is bigger than all of us. Moreover, I have listened to the voices of the people in Nyeri, and they oppose the Deputy President’s removal.”
Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto added, “When we consulted our people, they said they don’t see the need for this motion to be a priority. They believe we should focus our efforts on addressing other pressing challenges. As their representatives, it’s our duty to act in their best interests. On Tuesday, I will vote ‘NO’ on this motion.”
Both Njoroge Wainaina and Pamela Njoki echoed similar sentiments, stating that they decided to oppose the motion after listening to the voices of their constituents.
Political analyst Herman Manyora noted that the MPs’ shift in position is not unusual and reflects typical political behavior in Kenya. However, he pointed out that the main reason for their change of heart is likely linked to their political futures, particularly with the 2027 general elections approaching.
“The truth is that the challenges facing Gachagua have made him even more popular, especially in the western part of the Mount Kenya region. Residents feel that he is being persecuted for defending their interests in the government. As a result, they view MPs who support the motion to remove Gachagua as their greatest enemies,” explained Professor Manyora, who is also a lecturer at the University of Nairobi.
“The situation is particularly sensitive for MPs from Nyeri County, where the Deputy President was born. This is why MPs like Wandeto and Mukami have distanced themselves from the motion,” Manyora added, noting that many other MPs from the Mount Kenya region are expected to follow suit.
Lawyer James Mwamu suggested that a significant number of the 291 MPs who initially signed the motion might have been coerced or persuaded to do so.
“Allegations of MPs being threatened or bribed to support various motions or bills aligned with the President’s agenda have existed for a long time. For instance, this year, President Ruto himself issued warnings to his Kenya Kwanza MPs, urging them to pass government-backed bills, such as the 2024 Finance Bill, which was widely rejected by the Gen-Z youth,” Mwamu explained.
On Saturday, September 28, Gachagua himself claimed, without providing evidence, that MPs had been offered KSh 5 million to sign the motion to remove him from office.
“Njeri was called and they tried to intimidate her into signing the motion, but she refused. She was offered KSh 5 million, but she declined. Senator James Murango was also offered money, but he turned it down,” Gachagua said during a speech to residents of Mwea in Kirinyaga County.
Njeri, whose full name is Jane Njeri Maina, is the Woman Representative for Kirinyaga, while James Murango is the Senator for the same county.
