List of 18 MPs Who Skipped Gachagua’s Impeachment
Eighteen Members of Parliament, including some outspoken political figures, were absent on Tuesday from the vote to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Among the notable absentees were Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
Deputy Minority Whip Mark Mwenje also did not attend the vote, despite the minority coalition’s support for the motion.
Nyoro, who represents Gachagua’s Mt. Kenya region, has been mentioned as a potential candidate for his replacement.
Another unexpected absentee was Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukami, who had recently reversed her stance and declared her support for the Deputy President.
Mukami, along with Njoroge Wainaina (Kieni) and Geoffrey Wandeto (Tetu), cited feedback from their constituents as the reason for their shift in position.
Wandeto, however, was present for the vote.
“After reflecting on the motion, I concluded that this is something the Deputy President and the President can resolve together since Kenya is bigger than all of us,” Mukami stated.
She added, “I’ve listened to the voters in Nyeri, and they don’t want the Deputy President to be removed.”
Other MPs who did not attend included Patrick Simiyu (Cherangany), Hassan Yusuf (Kamkunji), John Machua (Kiambu), Antony Njoroge (Kieni), Joseph Gitari (Kirinyaga Central), Rose Museo (Makueni), Joshua Mbithi (Masinga), Abraham Kirwa (Mosop), Peter Mbogho (Mwatate), Esther Passaris (Nairobi), and David Njuguna (Ol Kalou).
Naisula Lesuuda (Samburu West), Joshua Kavinda (Kaiti), and Nicholas Ngikolong (Turkana East) were also absent.
Several lawmakers were in Parliament but chose not to participate in the vote.
Babu Owino defended his absence on Wednesday, stating that the country faces more pressing issues. “How can I waste my whole day discussing Rigathi when we have serious matters like Adani, the new university funding model, SHIF, high living costs, high taxation, and unemployment?” he questioned.
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He continued, “You’ll see me in Parliament when these issues are up for discussion, but they won’t bring them forward. I was occupied with urgent matters affecting my constituents. The speed of Rigathi’s impeachment should match the speed at which we address Kenya’s challenges.”
A total of 282 MPs voted to impeach the Deputy President, while 44 voted against the motion. Initially, the Speaker announced 281 votes in favor, 44 against, and one abstention.
However, the Speaker clarified on Wednesday that Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga’s vote was mistakenly excluded from the tally. Gachagua will now face the Senate plenary to defend himself.
This follows the failure of a motion by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot to establish a special committee to examine the charges against Gachagua.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna refused to second the motion, shifting the momentum in the Senate. Speaker Amason Kingi confirmed that the plenary would address the charges next Wednesday and Thursday.
Both the National Assembly and Gachagua must submit their evidence by the end of Monday.
“As per Article 145 (3) of the Constitution and Standing Order 78 (1) of the Senate, I have scheduled the Senate hearing for Wednesday, October 9, at 9:30 a.m.,” Kingi announced in a gazette notice dated October 9.
Meanwhile, Kingi has suspended international travel for Senators and Senate staff.
“Considering the seriousness of these proceedings, it is essential to ensure a full presence in the Senate,” he emphasized.
Kingi also advised Senate committees to postpone any activities outside Nairobi County from Tuesday, October 8, to Saturday, October 19.
List of 18 MPs Who Skipped Gachagua’s Impeachment
