Nearly 65 percent of Kenyans support the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, according to a document presented before the National Assembly yesterday. The report, tabled by Minority Whip and Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, summarizes the results of a public participation exercise held in 290 constituencies. Out of 224,907 participants, 146,429 (65.11 percent) supported the motion, while 76,026 (33.8 percent) opposed the bid to remove the Deputy President.
Regarding the diaspora vote, the report shows that of the 10 Kenyans who participated, four supported the impeachment, four opposed it, and two provided other responses. In the category of those who did not fill out forms, out of 1,881 participants, 421 (23.38 percent) supported the motion, while 915 (48.64 percent) were against it.
However, the report also highlighted some discrepancies. For instance, in Keiyo South, although only 43 people participated, the results showed that 70 residents supported the impeachment, while one opposed it.
While tabling the report, Odhiambo informed lawmakers that some constituencies experienced low turnout due to security concerns, as seen in Bura. She also noted instances of political interference in public forums, such as at Bomas of Kenya and Murang’a, and violent disruptions in areas like Ol Kalou, Kipipiri, and Nyeri Town, which led officers to announce results prematurely.
She explained, “Public expectation for monetary compensation for participation was also an issue. There was late submission of forms and memoranda in some cases, along with threats of violence against officers and inappropriate language in some email submissions.”
Odhiambo added, “I would like to point out that in quasi-judicial proceedings like this, public participation is not really necessary, even though courts have ruled otherwise. In my view, it’s like suggesting that the Judiciary requires public participation to make their decisions.”
Written submissions and memoranda were the primary means through which Kenyans shared their views on the impeachment motion in all 290 constituencies. The public participation exercise, initially conducted last Friday and Saturday, was extended by a day following a High Court directive.
The court, responding to a petition filed by Muge Law Advocates on behalf of Kirinyaga Woman Representative Jane Njeri Maina, ordered the National Assembly to hold another round of public participation in all constituencies.
During this process, many Kenyans expressed disapproval of the government, calling for both Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and President William Ruto to be ousted. This public sentiment comes shortly after TIFA released an opinion poll indicating that 41 percent of Kenyans support the impeachment motion, while 38 percent, mostly from the Mount Kenya region, oppose it.
According to the TIFA poll, 69 percent of respondents in the Mount Kenya region opposed Gachagua’s impeachment, with only 20 percent supporting it. In other regions, 47 percent supported the motion, compared to 28 percent who were against it.
When examining specific constituencies, Kipipiri recorded the highest opposition to the impeachment, with 98.76 percent voting against it. Other constituencies that opposed Gachagua’s removal include Mathira, where he previously served as MP, with 5,598 Kenyans opposing the ouster. In Gilgil, 1,002 residents (97 percent) opposed the motion, while in Kigumo, 4,754 Kenyans (95 percent) and in Kinangop, 708 residents (96 percent) opposed it.
In several constituencies, there was overwhelming support against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment. For instance, in Kitui Rural, 405 Kenyans (94%) voted against his removal. Other constituencies that strongly opposed the ouster include Maragua (4,181 or 97%), Mukurweini (2,884 or 97%), Naivasha (2,380 or 95%), and Ol Kalou (951 or 95%).
On the other hand, several constituencies voted overwhelmingly in favor of Gachagua’s impeachment. In Balambala, 313 votes supported the motion, while Dadaab had 305 in favor, Fafi (121), Kirinyaga Central (120), Kuresoi North (39), Lafey (247), Magarini (145), Mandera South (102), and Mogotio (454).
Counties with nearly unanimous support for the motion, registering 99% approval, include Kibwezi West—home to the mover of the motion, Mwengi Mutuse—where 501 Kenyans backed the ouster. Other counties that showed overwhelming support include Kinango (102 votes), Konoin (502), Lamu East (542), Likoni (824), Likuyani (362), Bondo (317), Butere (370), Ijara (230), Mandera East (376), Mandera North (391), Mt. Elgon (388), Mumias West (503), Sirisia (426), Tarbaj (124), Tiaty (373), and Tongaren (148).
