Kilifi MP Mishi Mboko has responded to critics of her decision to support the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, asserting that her stance is in the “best interests” of the country.
“I stand by my decision to support the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua,” she stated. Mboko is among the 282 MPs who voted last Tuesday in favor of ousting the DP in a motion presented by Kibwezi West MP Mutuse Mwengi.
In a social media post, she emphasized, “Let me be clear: if standing against tribalism and the divisive politics of entitlement is considered nonsense, then I am proud to uphold such principles.”
Senators are scheduled to convene next week to discuss the matter in plenary.
The charges against Gachagua include gross violations of various articles of the constitution, including Articles 10 (2)(a), (b), and (c); 27 (4); 73 (1)(a) and (2)(b); 75 (1)(c); 129 (2); as well as Article 147 (1) in conjunction with Article 131 (2)(c) and (d).
He is accused of grossly violating Articles 147 (1) and 152 (1) by undermining the President and the Cabinet, as well as the effective discharge of the national government’s executive mandate.
Additional charges include gross violations of Articles 6 (2), 10 (2)(a), 174, 186 (1), 189 (1), and the Fourth Schedule by undermining devolution. The DP also faces allegations regarding Article 160 (1) on the institutional and decisional independence of judges, as well as gross violations of Articles 3 (1) and 148 (5)(a) related to fidelity to the Oath of Office and Allegiance.
Moreover, he is charged with gross misconduct for persistently bullying state and public officers and for openly or publicly showing insubordination to the President.
If at least two-thirds (45 senators) of the total 67 vote to uphold an impeachment charge, the DP will immediately cease to hold office. However, he may choose to appeal the decision in court. If the courts affirm the impeachment, the vacancy must be filled within 14 days. The President is required to nominate a successor, and the National Assembly must vote on the nomination within 60 days of receiving it.
