Senator Dan Maanzo Defends Deputy President Gachagua, Warns of Presidential Impeachment Motion
“If there is an impeachment motion of the Deputy President, then we will also have an impeachment motion against the President because they are one ticket and one people,”
By Robert Mutasi
In a bold defense of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has cautioned against any moves to impeach the Deputy President, warning that such an action could also trigger a motion against President William Ruto.
Speaking to the press, Senator Maanzo stressed that the Kenyan presidency and deputy presidency are constitutionally intertwined. He argued that an impeachment motion against Gachagua would automatically affect the President, as both offices were won on a single electoral ticket.
“If there is an impeachment motion of the Deputy President, then we will also have an impeachment motion against the President because they are one ticket and one people,” Maanzo declared, underlining the political and legal implications of such a move.
The Senator’s remarks come amidst increasing speculation about the possibility of an impeachment motion targeting Gachagua, following claims from opposition leaders accusing the Deputy President of abuse of office and failure to manage critical government functions effectively.
However, Maanzo was quick to dismiss these allegations, stating, “There is nothing wrong that Honourable Gachagua has done.” He further defended the Deputy President’s performance since taking office, suggesting that opposition attacks were politically motivated.
The growing tensions between the ruling coalition and opposition factions have fueled discussions on whether the Deputy President can survive the mounting political pressure. Opponents have cited failures in handling economic challenges and unmet promises from the 2022 general election as key reasons for the push toward impeachment.
Some political analysts warn that if an impeachment motion is tabled in Parliament, it could ignite a constitutional crisis, potentially destabilizing the country’s leadership structure. Kenya’s 2010 Constitution mandates that the President and Deputy President are elected together and hold joint responsibility for the government’s performance.
Senator Maanzo’s warning highlights the high stakes involved, signaling that any move to remove the Deputy President will be met with fierce resistance from the ruling coalition. The Senator also hinted that the nation could be forced into an early election cycle, which could disrupt the country’s development agenda if both leaders are implicated in an impeachment process.
As the political landscape heats up, observers are closely watching to see how these developments will impact the future of Kenya’s leadership. With the possibility of a major political showdown looming, the country could face significant shifts in its governance if the impeachment threats materialize.
About Author
