Junet Claims MPs Were Paid During Gachagua Impeachment

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has alleged that money was distributed to some MPs during the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, but did not identify those involved or provide evidence to support the claim.

Speaking at a public gathering, Junet said money was circulating in Parliament during the impeachment process and claimed that some lawmakers received payments. He said those who allegedly benefited should have invested the money in development projects within their constituencies instead of spending it on personal pleasures.

"When we were impeaching former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, there was some money that was moving around in Parliament. I will say the truth, there was something moving around," he said. 

He added that some MPs had "not constructed their homesteads" despite allegedly receiving the money. Junet also urged lawmakers to spend money in their home areas rather than on luxury in Nairobi. 

"Don't use your money with light skins in Nairobi. You are giving them money. Spend your money at home," he said, arguing that the alleged payments had not resulted in visible development in some constituencies.

He did not name any MPs or disclose the source or amount of the alleged payments. His remarks mirror previous claims by Mr Gachagua, who has also alleged that legislators were financially influenced during the impeachment process.

The claims come as the legal challenge to Mr Gachagua's impeachment continues. In June, the High Court upheld the impeachment but found that the Senate had violated his constitutional rights by refusing to grant an adjournment requested by his legal team.

Justice Eric Ogola awarded Mr Gachagua Sh50 million in constitutional damages, saying the compensation was intended to uphold the Constitution and discourage similar violations in future. The judge ruled that although Mr Gachagua's rights had been breached, the finding did not affect the validity of the impeachment.

"This violation constitutes both a vindication of his rights and a recognition of the constitutional infirmity but does not undo the impeachment," Justice Ogola said.

Mr Gachagua has appealed the High Court's decision and is seeking to overturn the ruling.