Rigathi Gachagua Still Haunted As Petition Filed Barring Him From Presidency

Rigathi Gachagua Still Haunted As Petition Filed Barring Him From Presidency

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s problems are about to get worse.

A petition has been submitted to Parliament recommending that deputy presidents be barred from running for president immediately after their term ends, effectively removing the mat under Gachagua’s feet.

The petition, filed on Monday, June 3, has sparked widespread debate and could result in significant constitutional changes.

The petition, spearheaded by John Mweha Kariuki, a prominent Ndenderu community leader, seeks to amend Article 148 of the Constitution to include a new clause.

The proposed amendment seeks to add a clause stating, “The deputy president shall be ineligible to vie for the presidency immediately after his or her term is over.”

Mweha expressed frustration with the recurring conflicts between presidents and their deputies, which he believes undermine the country’s governance and service delivery.

“It hurts me and every Kenyan to see the President and his deputy fighting all the time. This has often led to many Kenyans not receiving services as they should,” Mweha lamented.

The implications of this petition are far-reaching.

If adopted by the National Assembly, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua may be barred from running for president when his term with President William Ruto expires.

This move comes amid reports of rising tensions between Ruto and Gachagua, echoing previous divisions within the Jubilee Party.

Similar schisms are emerging within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), with reports claiming that Gachagua has lost certain privileges, such as the use of government helicopters for travel.

Mweha claims that the proposed constitutional amendment would promote cooperative governance by eliminating the possibility of future competition between the president and deputy president.

“Adding this clause to the Constitution will promote harmony, prevent conflicts of interest, and encourage political diversity,” Mweha asserted.

Furthermore, Mweha believes that the amendment will improve the integrity and fairness of the electoral process.

“Preventing the deputy president from vying for the presidency will curtail the use of state resources and influence accumulated during their term to skew presidential elections,” he said, stressing the importance of maintaining the democratic process’s integrity.

Mweha also discussed the potential benefits of political diversity and stability.

“Barring the deputy president from running for president will open the field to a broader array of candidates, ensuring voters have a wider selection and promoting a vibrant democracy,” he explained.

This move would also prevent premature succession politics, thereby promoting political stability and mutual cohesion within the executive branch.

Furthermore, Mweha stated that the ineligibility for the presidency would encourage the deputy president to focus fully on their current responsibilities, resulting in better governance and alignment with the president’s agenda.

“The intent of this petition is to strengthen the integrity of the executive branch, prevent conflicts of interest, enhance service delivery, and foster fair political competition,” Mweha added.

“It is inequitable for a Kenyan to serve as deputy president for a decade and as President for another decade. Fresh leadership and new ideas are vital for the continuous growth and development of our nation.”

Mweha filed his petition under Article 119 (1) of Kenya’s Constitution, which gives every citizen the right to petition Parliament to consider any matter within its jurisdiction, including enacting, amending, or repealing laws.

The petition is now awaiting a response from Parliament, paving the way for what could be a historic constitutional amendment.

Rigathi Gachagua Still Haunted As Petition Filed Barring Him From Presidency