The public participation exercise regarding Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment motion commenced on Friday, with some Kenyans demanding that President William Ruto also vacate office.
The day started with protests in Nyeri, where residents stormed out of the venue to express their opposition to the impeachment motion, alleging that they were offered bribes to support the initiative. The situation escalated into chaos as they blocked major roads and set bonfires while chanting, “No Rigathi, No Government.”
“Unapea watu form wasign ati upatie watu mia tano. Hatutaki hiyo mia tano…tunajua kujitaftia…No Rigathi…no government,” one resident declared.
At the Bomas of Kenya, similar sentiments were voiced by residents in Nairobi, who stated that President Ruto should also step down if his deputy’s impeachment motion is successful. Chants of “Kufa dereva, kufa makanga” filled the air, with residents breaking into song and dance.
This phrase, which has gained popularity, signifies that if the Deputy President is impeached, his boss should also leave office since they entered together as a package deal.
“Tumechoka kuambiwa fulani ni mbaya na fulani ni mzuri. Embe moja ikioza kwa kikapu, yote yameoza. Nasema kufa dereva, kufa makanga na hashtag inapaswa kuwa #FagiaWote,” a Starehe resident remarked.
“Hii serikali ni sisi tulichagua. Ikiwa Gachagua ni mbaya, hata Ruto ni mbaya. Wote waende. Hakuna kubakisha mtu; kufa dereva, kufa makanga,” another Nairobi resident emphasized.
Frustrated by the ongoing political developments in the country, many Kenyans expressed their strong dissatisfaction with the current administration, calling for its disbandment.
“Kenya must move forward! The Speaker of the National Assembly should be ready to take over for the next 90 days. For the sake of peace and tranquility in the country, this government must go home. We are ready to bring a new revolution and elect new leaders,” another resident stated.
The impeachment motion, presented by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, outlines 11 grounds for Gachagua’s removal from office, including gross misconduct, violation of the Constitution, undermining the presidency, and corruption, among others.
The motion will undergo a second round of public participation in line with High Court orders before it returns to the National Assembly for further debate.
“Kenya must move forward! The Speaker of the National Assembly should be ready to take over for the next 90 days. For the sake of peace and tranquility in the country, this government must go home. We are ready to bring a new revolution and elect new leaders,” a resident reiterated.
“Tumechoka kuambiwa flani ni mbaya na flani ni mzuri. Embe moja ikioza kwa kikapu, yote yameoza. Nasema kufa dereva, kufa makanga na hashtag inapaswa kuwa #fagiawote,” another Starehe resident added.
