The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has issued a warning that the country’s unity could be jeopardized if Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is impeached by the Senate.
Commission chair Samuel Kobia expressed concerns on Monday about the potential for conflict among Kenyans if the Senators uphold the National Assembly’s decision to impeach DP Gachagua.
The Senate is expected to consider the motion and take a vote on Wednesday and Thursday this week. Should the Senators support the decision, Gachagua will be impeached.
“Our major concern is that the way this process is shaping up could easily lead to conflicts between the people of the Mt Kenya region and those from other parts of the country. This is what we are worried about,” Kobia warned. “We feel that the Senate should handle this matter in a manner that all Kenyans will see as fair and in accordance with the law.”
He also noted that the commission will closely monitor one of the charges against the Deputy President, which pertains to threatening the national cohesion of the country.
DP Gachagua faces 11 charges, which he has denied. Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse presented these charges, leading to a vote among MPs to remove President William Ruto’s principal assistant from office.
The accusations include gross violations of the constitution, undermining the President, undermining devolution, irregular acquisition of wealth, publicly attacking a judge, intimidating the acting Kemsa CEO, promoting ethnicity, and insubordination to the President, among other allegations.
In total, 281 MPs voted in favor of the ouster motion, while 44 voted to keep him in office. One MP abstained from the vote. Only 233 MPs were needed to support the motion for Gachagua to be impeached.
The Deputy President was given the opportunity to defend himself against the allegations in the motion. He expressed confidence that the legislators would arrive at a just decision.
“Look, reflect, and apply your conscience to make the right decision,” he stated. “I have tremendous respect for the National Assembly and your ability and capacity to make the right decision.”
