The Kenyan Senate is set to debate a motion of censure against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, citing alleged violations of constitutional duties and inappropriate public utterances.
The motion, tabled by Senator Danson Mungatana of Tana River County, accuses Mr Gachagua of making statements that have “marginalized sections of Kenyans” and “created and continues to heighten tension among different ethnic communities in Kenya.”
At the heart of the controversy are Mr Gachagua’s public comments on several sensitive issues, including employment opportunities in the public service, resource allocation to devolved units, and alleged incitement of citizens to disobey directives from certain county governments.
The motion emphasises the constitutional role of the Deputy President as a symbol of national unity. It states that the holder of this office “must at all times respect, uphold and safeguard the Constitution; promote and enhance the unity of the Nation; and promote respect for the diversity of the people and communities of Kenya.”
Senator Mungatana’s motion argues that Mr Gachagua’s conduct contravenes Article 75 of the Kenyan Constitution and goes against “the national values and principles of governance espoused in Article 10(2) of the Constitution.”
The Senate document notes that the Deputy President is categorised as a State Officer under Article 260 of the Constitution, bound by the Leadership and Integrity Act. This act outlines a code of conduct for state officers, which the motion suggests Mr Gachagua may have breached.
“The public utterances made by Hon. Rigathi Gachagua, E.G.H, the Deputy President of Kenya, have marginalized sections of Kenyans,” the motion states, adding that these statements “demean the high office of the Deputy President of the Republic.”
If passed, the motion would see the Senate “express its displeasure and disappointment with the conduct of Hon. Rigathi Gachagua, E.G.H., as the Deputy President of Kenya and censures him.”
