Heavy Security Deployed as Gachagua Impeachment Forums Enter Second Day in Nyeri

The government has increased security measures in Nyeri County as the public engagement process on the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi continues for a second day, following an extension by the National Assembly.

Security forces have been deployed to patrol public participation centres in Nyeri, following protests that erupted on the first day of the exercise. Despite the extension, turnout remained low in the mid-morning hours. Friday's demonstrations saw residents of Nyeri Town taking to the streets to voice their opposition to the impeachment motion, which has garnered support from a majority of parliamentarians. Protesters in Nyeri expressed their discontent with what they perceive as President William Ruto's role in orchestrating the deputy president's impeachment. They argued that since Gachagua was elected alongside Ruto, any attempt to remove the deputy president should also result in the president stepping down.

Additionally, demonstrators called for the public participation process to be conducted digitally rather than manually. The unrest led to the temporary suspension of the exercise in some areas, with protesters barricading main roads and forcing police intervention. Despite these efforts, residents remained steadfast in their opposition, pledging to continue their demonstrations and urging President Ruto and Deputy President Gachagua to resolve their differences internally. The impeachment motion, filed by Kibwezi West Member of Parliament Mwengi Mutuse, cites 11 grounds for Gachagua's removal from office. Backed by approximately 291 legislators, the motion has since paved the way for a nationwide public participation process.

The National Assembly clerk has directed that this exercise be conducted across all 290 constituencies in the country, following a court order deeming the initial county-level engagement insufficient. Meanwhile, tensions have escalated in certain areas as the public participation process unfolds. In Nyeri County, residents allege that government officials attempted to bribe them with 500 Kenyan shillings to support the impeachment motion. These claims have further fueled opposition to the proceedings, with demonstrators adamantly rejecting such offers and reaffirming their support for the deputy president.

In response to the unrest, security measures have been enhanced in Nyeri with anti-riot police from the General Service Unit and Rapid Deployment Unit mobilized and deployed to maintain order. Areas considered potentially hostile have received additional security reinforcements, including anti-riot gear on standby. Law enforcement officials have emphasized that chaos will not be tolerated during the exercise and have warned that appropriate action will be taken against those who disrupt the process.