Parliament Petition Seeks to Bar Deputy Presidents from Immediate Presidential Candidacy
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s problems are set to intensify with a new petition submitted to Parliament aiming to bar deputy presidents from running for the presidency immediately after their term ends, directly targeting Gachagua’s future political aspirations.
The petition, filed on Monday, June 3, has ignited extensive debate and could result in major constitutional revisions.
Led by John Mweha Kariuki, a well-known community leader from Ndenderu, the petition proposes an amendment to Article 148 of the Constitution to incorporate a new provision.
The suggested amendment aims to add a clause stating, “The deputy president shall be ineligible to vie for the presidency immediately after his or her term is over.”
In an interview with Gossipa2z.com, Mweha expressed his frustration over ongoing conflicts between presidents and their deputies, which he believes disrupts the country’s governance and service delivery.
“It’s painful for me and every Kenyan to witness constant conflicts between the President and his deputy. This often results in many Kenyans not receiving the services they deserve,” Mweha lamented.
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If this petition is approved by the National Assembly, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua could be barred from running for president after his term with President William Ruto ends.
This development occurs amid reports of escalating tensions between Ruto and Gachagua, reminiscent of the strife that previously afflicted the Jubilee Party.
The Jubilee Party, created for the 2017 General Election, was envisioned as a dominant political force but collapsed when then-President Uhuru Kenyatta fell out with his deputy, Ruto. Initially a coalition of Kenyatta’s The National Alliance (TNA) and Ruto’s United Republican Party (URP), Jubilee’s downfall was marked by accusations and a splintered political environment.
During their conflict, Ruto accused Kenyatta of “damaging” Jubilee by allying with opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Now, similar discord is emerging within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), with reports indicating that Gachagua has been stripped of certain privileges, such as the use of government helicopters.
Mweha contends that the proposed constitutional amendment would promote cooperative governance by removing the prospect of future rivalry between the president and deputy president.
“Introducing this clause to the Constitution will foster harmony, prevent conflicts of interest, and encourage political diversity,” Mweha asserted.
Moreover, Mweha believes the amendment would improve the integrity and fairness of the electoral process. “Preventing the deputy president from running for the presidency will limit the misuse of state resources and influence accumulated during their term to unfairly sway presidential elections,” he said, emphasizing the importance of preserving the democratic process’s integrity.
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Mweha also underscored the potential benefits of political diversity and stability. “Barring the deputy president from running for president will broaden the candidate pool, giving voters a wider choice and promoting a vibrant democracy,” he explained. This move would also deter premature succession politics, contributing to political stability and mutual cohesion within the executive branch.
Additionally, Mweha noted that making the deputy president ineligible for the presidency would encourage them to concentrate fully on their current duties, resulting in better governance and alignment with the president’s agenda.
“The purpose of this petition is to strengthen the executive branch’s integrity, prevent conflicts of interest, enhance service delivery, and promote fair political competition. It’s unfair for a Kenyan to serve as deputy president for a decade and then as President for another decade. Fresh leadership and new ideas are essential for the continuous growth and development of our nation,” Mweha added.
Mweha submitted his petition under Article 119 (1) of the Constitution of Kenya, which grants every citizen the right to petition Parliament to consider any matter within its authority, including enacting, amending, or repealing legislation.
The petition now awaits a response from Parliament, potentially setting the stage for a historic constitutional amendment.
Parliament Petition Seeks to Bar Deputy Presidents from Immediate Presidential Candidacy