Claims of Executive Influence on DP Gachagua’s Impeachment.
Eugene Wamalwa, the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader, has raised concerns about a covert plan to expedite the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua by forcing the courts to hold night hearings over the weekend. Wamalwa, speaking during an interview on Citizen TV’s Friday Night Show, suggested that there was pressure from the executive to ensure Gachagua’s ouster.
He revealed that there were ongoing attempts to manipulate the judiciary into holding weekend night sessions in an effort to reverse the High Court’s ruling, which had halted Gachagua’s impeachment process.
Concerns Over Judicial Manipulation
Wamalwa expressed doubts about the integrity of the process, noting that the Chief Justice had already set the hearing date for October 24th. However, he claimed there were forces working to have the courts convene sooner. According to Wamalwa, there was a deliberate push to influence the judiciary to act quickly and overturn the court orders preventing Gachagua’s impeachment.
Hasty Parliamentary Proceedings on DP Gachagua’s Impeachment
The former Defense Minister also questioned the speed with which the impeachment process was carried out in parliament. He emphasized that the Constitution allows ample time for such proceedings, making the hurried late-night parliamentary hearing and voting unnecessary.
Wamalwa argued that the Constitution provides for a process that could last for days, and there was no urgent deadline requiring the MPs to treat the matter as an emergency. He criticized the rush, suggesting that the process was being unfairly fast-tracked.
Call for Proper Procedure and Due Process
Wamalwa stressed that the government should have adhered to the law by allowing the Deputy President to defend himself in the Senate, especially considering that Gachagua had been unwell. He implied that hidden motives were behind the rush, and questioned Kenya’s political direction, hinting that there was pressure from powerful individuals to remove Gachagua before Mashujaa Day celebrations.
He claimed that certain influential figures did not want Gachagua present at the national event and were pushing for a new deputy by the weekend.
Parliamentary Independence in Question
Wamalwa further accused Parliament of being under the control of the Executive, stating that it had become a tool for the president’s agenda. He noted that Parliament appeared to be following orders without question, raising concerns about its independence.
He stressed that Parliament should operate autonomously and not at the whim of the Executive, reinforcing his claim that the legislative body had been “captured.”
Appeal to President Ruto
While acknowledging the High Court’s suspension of Gachagua’s impeachment, Wamalwa appealed to President William Ruto to allow the judicial process to proceed without interference. He reminded the President of his own experiences during his tenure as Deputy President under former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Despite their differences, Kenyatta had allowed Ruto to serve his full term without pushing for his removal.
Wamalwa commended the judges at Milimani for their decision to uphold the Constitution and maintain the status quo. He urged Ruto not to disregard this ruling, even though the President had previously ignored several court orders. According to Wamalwa, the courts should have been given 60 days to handle the matter, and he warned that undermining the judiciary would harm the country.
Reflection on Political History
In closing, Wamalwa pointed out the irony of the situation, stating that Ruto, despite his current animosity toward Gachagua, had himself been allowed to serve under a president who tolerated him for four years despite their differences. He called on the President to follow the same example and respect the judicial process.
