Lawmakers Demand Protection as Gachagua's Ouster Bid Commences

Members of Kenya's National Assembly have urged Speaker Moses Wetangula to direct Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to bolster security measures for lawmakers who endorsed a motion to remove Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office.

The security concerns has emerged following the tabling of the impeachment motion by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse. Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah voiced the significance of the situation during parliamentary proceedings on Tuesday. He emphasized that the motion against the Deputy President poses potential security risks not only to the MPs involved but also to President William Ruto. Ichung'wah declared that 'the security of MPs is paramount', echoing sentiments expressed by colleagues Farah Maalim and Junet Mohamed.

He explicitly states that the Inspector General would be held responsible should any harm befall the lawmakers. Ichung'wah further alleges the existence of a coordinated plan by unidentified individuals to target MPs supporting the impeachment motion. In response, he advises his colleagues to refrain from discussing the contentious issue in public forums or media interviews to prevent escalating tensions.

"It will be out of order to discuss this matter outside this house," he cautions.

Speaker Wetangula's decision to proceed with the motion comes after confirming it had met the constitutional requirements. He verified that the number of signatures supporting the special motion exceeded the minimum threshold of 117 members in the house. The impeachment motion has intensified political tensions in Kenya, where Deputy President Gachagua faces allegations of corruption and abuse of office. While his critics argue that his removal is essential for restoring governmental integrity, supporters contend that the motion is politically motivated and aims to destabilize the current administration.

This development occurs against a backdrop of broader political unrest in Kenya. Recent months have seen protests against government economic policies and the Finance Bill, leading to confrontations between demonstrators and security forces. A notable incident in June 2024 saw anti-tax protesters breach parliament security, resulting in violent clashes and property damage.