Unlikely Allies? Babu Owino and Ndindi Nyoro Join Gachagua's Defense Squad

The recent impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has encountered significant resistance, with 58 Members of the National Assembly abstaining from signing the document presented to the House.

While some lawmakers may have been absent due to various obligations, others potentially oppose the motion on principled grounds. A group of five MPs from Murang'a County has publicly distanced themselves from the impeachment effort. These legislators, including Edward Muriu, Mary Wamaua, Peter Kihungi, Joseph Muiotoro, and Chege Njuguna, have issued a collective statement expressing their apprehensions about the potential ramifications of such a motion on the Mount Kenya region's social, political, and economic landscape. They emphasize the importance of prioritizing national interests over individual concerns and urge their colleagues to approach the motion with caution and sobriety.

The Murang'a MPs have criticized the impeachment proceedings, asserting that Parliament is attempting to prosecute Gachagua without affording him a fair opportunity to address the allegations against him. They argue that this approach contravenes constitutional provisions, specifically citing Article 150 of the Constitution which they claim does not provide the Deputy President with an adequate platform to respond to the charges. This, they contend, represents a significant violation of Gachagua's rights. Notable figures such as Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and ODM party member Babu Owino have also refrained from signing the motion.

Nyoro's absence from the list has fueled speculation about potential political motivations, particularly in light of reports suggesting he was considered a possible successor to Gachagua. Owino's decision not to sign aligns with his ongoing criticism of the coalition between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga. John Kaguchia, the sole MP from Nyeri County who has refrained from signing, has publicly called for reconciliation between President Ruto and Gachagua. Wiper Party members, as articulated by Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu, have collectively decided to oppose the impeachment motion.

Mulu expresses doubt regarding the legitimacy of the grounds for impeachment, suggesting that if Gachagua were to be removed from office, President Ruto should be held to the same standard. This stance raises questions about the consistency of political accountability within the current administration. For the impeachment motion to succeed, it requires the support of at least 233 MPs, with a minimum of 117 signatures needed for its tabling. Currently, the motion has garnered the backing of 291 lawmakers. Gachagua's team is actively seeking collaboration with Jubilee, Wiper, and other opposition members to undermine the motion's momentum and ensure its failure during the upcoming vote.