Trouble for Mt Kenya MPs faced with recall threat

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua chats with Nyeri Woman Rep Rahab Mukami and Mathira MP Erick Wamumbi during a past function. [File, Standard] In recent months, political activity in the country has intensified, testing the relationships between certain Members of Parliament and their constituents. The Mt Kenya region has seen the greatest impact politically following the ousting of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. While Gachagua's allies have decried what they describe as intimidation for their stance and condemned efforts to remove them from parliamentary roles, MPs who supported Gachagua's impeachment have also faced backlash from voters. On Sunday, Gachagua announced that consultations on the political future of the Mt Kenya region are underway, with plans to communicate the way forward in due course. He shared that he is engaging with bishops, pastors, businesspeople, and professionals, and that discussions are progressing smoothly. "We are wiser now and glad that our people love each other. We were shocked that people can be sellouts. We will be more careful when choosing our friends going forward, and never again will we trust anyone but God," he said. Already, Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, a critic of Gachagua, has faced backlash from constituents, who have begun a recall process. This week, Samuel Ngari, a voter in Mathira, initiated the recall, expressing confidence in meeting the constitutional requirement of support from 30 per cent of registered voters in the constituency, or about 31,000 signatures. Ngari cited neglect of constituents, misuse of Constituency Development Funds, and alleged bribery during public discussions on Gachagua's impeachment as grounds for Wamumbi's recall. "We know that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is not fully constituted, and there's an ongoing court case. Once resolved and a substantive electoral body is in place, our MP should be the first to be recalled," said Ngari. Despite Wamumbi's efforts to update constituents on his development agenda, he has faced continued criticism, with some calling on him to step down. Nevertheless, Wamumbi has not refrained from voicing his views, frequently criticising Gachagua. On Wednesday, he posted on Facebook that Gachagua and his allies are pressuring coffee farmers to purchase the Central Coffee miller in Mathira Constituency for Sh300 million. "The money is supposed to be borrowed by coffee societies on behalf of farmers, but the miller will be owned by corrupt individuals. I have documents and phone recordings showing how leaders of coffee societies are being pressured to convince farmers to approve the loan... The theatrics happening in Karatina aim to divert attention and prevent me from attending a coffee meeting," he posted. Meanwhile, Nyandarua Governor Moses Kiarie faced an impeachment motion earlier this week when Mirangine Ward Representative Samuel Mathu issued a special motion to the County Assembly Clerk. Kiarie, a close ally of Gachagua, was accused of misconduct over the past two years, including illegal staff terminations and appointments. Although the motion has not yet gained support from the required 39 ward representatives, Mathu expressed confidence that it will secure the necessary backing. "I'm confident the motion will pass. I have collected enough evidence and believe it's time for the governor to go," he said. On Sunday, during a church service with Gachagua, Kipiriri MP Wanjiku Muhia also condemned what she called intimidation from Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah over her criticism of the government. "We will not stop telling President William Ruto what's wrong in this country. As a community, we will stand strong and will not be intimidated. I have been elected three times, just like him (Ichung'wah), and our silence should not be mistaken for weakness. We will not be silenced because we are equal partners in this government," she stated. Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru, known as Mejja Donk, added: "Some people aren't sleeping as they try to destabilise the Mt Kenya region. People are being silenced when they speak up. We will follow the path you (Gachagua) set for us because you won't mislead us." "Money was used to impeach Gachagua, and I urge those who accepted it to pray it doesn't haunt them and their families. Let's stand united and avoid being used against our own people," the MP added. In contrast, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, chair of the Budget and Appropriations Committee and a strong government supporter, has adopted a more cautious stance. Notably, he chose not to participate in Gachagua's impeachment process, a decision that has drawn attention. Addressing questions about his silence, Nyoro recently posted on X: "To those reaching out, I'm doing fine. I'm well, and thank you for your concern." Reports suggest that some pro-government MPs are unhappy with Nyoro's silence and are contemplating his removal from the chairmanship of the Budget and National Planning Committee. Amidst growing scrutiny, other government-aligned MPs have discussed reorganising committee leadership to replace perceived dissidents. Meanwhile, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah, a sharp critic of the former Deputy President, reaffirmed that the government remains focused on development and improving livelihoods, condemning any ethnic divisiveness. "Our focus is on development, raising incomes for coffee, tea, and milk farmers, and fostering national unity. Those prioritising political alliances for 2027 are free to form new parties, but for us, the well-being of the people and national progress come first," Ichung'wah asserted. He added that the government's role is to serve all citizens, not just those who supported it in the elections. "Sabotaging the government one serves is hypocritical and self-serving. Leadership must prioritise the welfare of the entire nation, ensuring that all segments of society benefit from its policies and actions," he stated previously. As these tensions continue, Catholic bishops have expressed concern that political strife is fostering division among Kenyans and within government ranks, calling on leaders to prioritise national unity over personal conflicts.

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