Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa stated that the recent removal of Rigathi Gachagua as Deputy President serves as a warning to leaders who make inflammatory remarks. He explained that Gachagua’s impeachment demonstrates how public utterances can lead to a leader’s downfall.
“The talk of shares is no more. We want a country that will not discriminate based on where someone comes from,” Barasa said during a function in Bungoma County on Saturday. He added that the impeachment of the Deputy President marked a historic moment for the country.
In an unprecedented move, the Senate voted to impeach Gachagua on five of 11 charges, following the National Assembly’s overwhelming approval of the ouster motion last week. Gachagua was found guilty of “gross violation” of the Constitution, including threatening judges and engaging in ethnically divisive politics. He was, however, cleared of charges related to corruption and money laundering.
Gachagua, who had denied all allegations, likened his treatment to being a “spent cartridge.” On the charge of gross constitutional violations for making discriminatory statements, the Senate voted 53-13 in favor of impeachment. On the charge of undermining judicial independence, 51 senators found him guilty, while 16 opposed. The sixth charge, concerning inflammatory public remarks breaching the National Cohesion and Integration Act, was upheld by 48 senators, with 18 voting against.
Barasa warned that leaders who continue to make divisive statements “have their days numbered.” He remarked, “I found myself in Kimilili because my mother was married there. If she had been married in Maasai land, I would have been a Maasai.” He emphasized that public officials should use their positions to serve the people.
Barasa also offered encouragement to those without jobs, advising them not to lose hope.
