The motion reads that the public "utterances" made by the DP have marginalized sections of Kenyans. This has created and continues to heighten tension among different ethnic communities in Kenya
He highlighted instances where Gachagua made comments related to employment opportunities for Kenyans in public service, the allocation of resources to devolved units, and allegedly incited segments of the population to disregard lawful directives from county governments.
'Hon. Rigathi Gachagua on several occasions since his assumption to the Office of Deputy President, has made utterances, among others, regarding employment opportunities to Kenyans in the public service; allocation of resources to the devolved units; and incitement of a section of Kenyans to disobey lawful directives by some county governments,' Mungatana's censure motion reads in part.
The censure motion against Gachagua follows his recent insinuations that President William Ruto is implicated in his current challenges.
Mungatana said Gachagua's public statements are in contravention of the provisions of Article 75 of the Kenyan Constitution; against the national values and principles of governance espoused in Article 10(2) of the Constitution, and demean the high office of the Deputy President of the Republic.
Gachagua's future as Kenya's Deputy President may depend on the outcome of this censure motion.
The Senate is set to discuss this crucial motion against the Deputy President as the political landscape remains fragile.
As the highest-ranking leader from the Mt. Kenya region, Gachagua recently cautioned Ruto against taking the former's region for granted.
'We are the ones who gave William Ruto the most votes. He is in the State House because of usâ€"isn't that the truth? We ask the president's allies not to disrespect us. If they no longer want our support, let them come to Githurai and tell us,' Gachagua was quoted by Kenya's media as saying.
'Our people despise betrayal, and they are very unforgiving if you betray them. I ask President Ruto not to take that path,' said Gachagua.
The Deputy President may be removed from office on the grounds of physical or mental incapacity to perform the functions of the office; or on impeachment, according to Articles 144 and 145 of the Kenyan Constitution.
Impeachment can be on the ground of a gross violation of a provision of this Constitution or any other law; where there are serious reasons to believe that the Deputy President has committed a crime under national or international law; or for gross misconduct.
To impeach the Deputy President, a Member of Parliament supported by at least a third of all the members, may move a motion for the impeachment on either of the three grounds.
Within seven days after receiving notice of a resolution from the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Speaker of the Senate shall convene a meeting of the Senate to hear charges against the Deputy President.
The Speaker shall ensure the report of the tribunal is tabled before the National Assembly within seven days of receiving it.
Sam K Nkurunziza
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/kenyan-mp-files-censure-motion-against-deputy-president-gachagua
