Senate to Debate Gachagua's Conduct Following Mungatana's Censure Motion

Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana has initiated a censure motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, submitting it to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi on September 23, 2024.

The motion accuses Gachagua of conduct unbefitting his office, particularly criticizing his alleged focus on regional interests at the expense of national duties. Mungatana contends that Gachagua has been acting more as a representative of the Mt. Kenya region rather than fulfilling his role as Deputy President of the entire nation. During a press conference at Parliament Buildings on Monday, Mungatana expressed his grievances, emphasizing that Gachagua's responsibilities extend to all of Kenya, not just one region. Unlike an impeachment motion, which aims to remove an officeholder, a censure motion allows Senate members to express strong disapproval of an individual's conduct.

If approved, the motion will lead to a debate in the Senate plenary, where lawmakers will discuss Gachagua's behaviour and its implications for his role as Deputy President. This motion emerges amid growing tensions within the Kenya Kwanza administration. In a recent Citizen TV interview, Gachagua revealed attempts to impeach him, though he noted that such action could only be initiated by President William Ruto. He also spoke about the strained relationship with his superior, highlighting the power struggles that have plagued the administration since it assumed office two years ago. Gachagua discloses that he had been removed from President Ruto's WhatsApp group diary, complicating his ability to align his schedule with the President's.

The Deputy President also addressed allegations of inciting ethnic tensions and encouraging Kenyans to disobey lawful directives issued by county governments. Mungatana's motion cites multiple instances where Gachagua allegedly violated constitutional provisions, particularly Articles 75 and 147, which govern the conduct of state officers. The motion accuses Gachagua of making public statements that marginalize certain sections of Kenya and promote inequality and favouritism. Among the concerns raised are Gachagua's comments on employment opportunities in the public sector, perceived as discriminatory, and his remarks on resource allocation to devolved units.

The motion argues that these statements contravene Article 10 (2) of the Constitution, which upholds national values, including unity and diversity. Mungatana emphasizes the importance of adhering to constitutional leadership standards, asserting that Gachagua's conduct has damaged the office of the Deputy President and undermined its role in promoting respect for all Kenyan communities. He argues that the Senate is the appropriate forum to censure the Deputy President for these alleged transgressions.

Meanwhile, Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has proposed a controversial solution to the conflict between Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Interior CS Kithure Kindiki. In a Citizen TV interview, Maanzo suggests that any motion to impeach Gachagua should be accompanied by a parallel motion against President William Ruto, arguing they ran on a unified ticket and should face joint scrutiny. Maanzo defends Gachagua against accusations of regional favouritism, highlighting the Deputy President's efforts to address agricultural issues affecting multiple regions.