Section Of Mt Kenya Residents Stage Protests Against Gachagua’s Impeachment
Residents of Kagio in Kirinyaga County went to the streets on Wednesday, October 16, to express their displeasure with the current impeachment procedures against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The demonstrators chanted chants, demanding that the Senate dismiss the move and directing their Senator, James Kamau Murango, to oppose Gachagua’s impeachment.
The demonstrations take place amid rising political tensions, with many in the crowd staunchly supporting Gachagua. Judy Wanjiku, a local resident, highlighted common frustrations.
“We are angry with this motion of impeachment. We are asking the Senate not to impeach Gachagua,” she quipped.
Joseph Njenga reiterated her thoughts, warning Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru against attempting to fill the Deputy President’s shoes.
“We are asking Anne Waiguru to leave Gachagua’s seat alone. Let her wait for 2027, and if Kenyans accept her, then that’s fine,” he asserted.
The protests took place barely a day after hundreds of women from the county marched in Kutus town, pressing President William Ruto to consider Waiguru for the position should Gachagua be ousted.
Community leaders from all 20 wards endorsed Waiguru as the most qualified candidate, indicating that Kenya was ready for a female Deputy President.
“We are praying a lot for Gachagua, but if things go wrong, we have Waiguru. If you look at the qualifications of those showing interest in the position, I do not think there is anyone as qualified as Waiguru,” one leader remarked.
Section of Kirinyaga residents hold demos, chant 'Ruto must go' in protest of Gachagua's impeachment motion pic.twitter.com/z1MronX1Cv
— Kenyans.co.ke (@Kenyans) October 16, 2024
Simultaneously, dramatic changes to the National Police Service (NPS) command structure have occurred in Central Kenya, including Gachagua’s home county of Nyeri.
According to accounts, the reshuffles may be politically motivated and coincide with the impeachment push.
Among the changes is the appointment of a new county commander in Nyeri, David Kipchichir, and the assignment of a new director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to Gachagua’s backyard, Mathira.
The restructure has extended to Nyeri Sub-County, where Wilfred Mugure has taken over as police chief, succeeding Charles Chacha.
Paul Makange has been assigned to oversee DCI operations in the region, adding to the recent rush of security-related changes.
The security reshuffles have not only affected the police force. Pius Murugu has taken over as Nyeri County Commissioner and acting chair of the Central Region’s security council, succeeding Ahmed Bore.
Dr. Resila Anyango, NPS spokesperson, denied suspicions concerning the reshuffles. “The RPC and County Police Commander were changed in a normal transfer process,” she stated.
The timing of these security improvements has raised questions, with some seeing it as a strategic move in light of Gachagua’s impeachment campaign.
Section Of Mt Kenya Residents Stage Protests Against Gachagua’s Impeachment
