Gachagua asks for forgiveness amid impeachment motion

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asked for forgiveness from Kenyans and President William Ruto amid mounting pressure from lawmakers seeking his impeachment.

Speaking at a prayer meeting at his Karen residence on Sunday, October 6, Gachagua expressed confidence in the Judiciary, calling Kenya a “country of the rule of law.”

 He urged Kenyans to remain peaceful regardless of the outcome of ongoing political events.

“I have faith in our Judiciary. We have competent men and women who I believe will uphold the Constitution, protect it, and safeguard the will of the people,” said Gachagua.

He also called on Kenyans to remain united and peaceful, despite current political challenges.

Addressing MPs, Gachagua apologised for any offence he may have caused.

“To the MPs, if through our utterances and actions, we have upset or wronged you, find it in your heart to forgive me. To the people of Kenya, if I did anything unacceptable, forgive me,” he pleaded.

The Deputy President also sought forgiveness from Ruto, adding, “I want to ask my brother Ruto that if I have wronged him in any way, please find it in your heart to forgive me. If my spouse and her programme have wronged you, forgive her.”

Gachagua revealed that the National Prayer Altar at his home was the same place where he prayed during the Supreme Court hearings in September 2022, when the Opposition challenged Ruto’s electoral victory.

 He noted, “As I sat here, I realised that history is repeating itself. We were once again in this very spot during the Supreme Court's challenge of our President's victory. We gathered here for prayers, and with God's help, we emerged successfully.”

 His remarks come as 291 lawmakers rallied behind an impeachment motion, accusing him of several constitutional violations.

Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, who tabled the motion, outlined 11 charges, including gross violations of the Constitution, misconduct, and breaches of Kenyan law, international law, and the Leadership and Integrity Act.

Mutuse accused Gachagua of excluding segments of Kenya’s population from public service appointments and equitable resource allocation.

The motion also claims Gachagua has amassed Sh5.2 billion since taking office in 2022, an amount allegedly incompatible with his known income.

 National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula confirmed that the motion, which requires the support of at least 117 MPs, had been received.

 The impeachment motion will be debated on Tuesday, October 8.