By Christine Ngitori
As public participation regarding the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua kicked off nationwide, a surprising wave of apathy swept through Tharaka Nithi, as residents gathered in unexpectedly low numbers at the Kathwana Social Hall.
This stark turnout has raised serious questions about citizen engagement and the weight of public opinion as the political landscape shifts beneath their feet.
With Gachagua hanging in the balance, the low turnout left many doubting not only the legitimacy of the impeachment dialogue but also the pulse of public opinion in the region.
Peter Nyaga, a concerned resident, was one of the few voices heard during the proceedings.
He passionately opposed the Deputy President’s removal, positing that accountability should extend beyond individual leaders to include the electorate’s role in governance.
“We must exercise patience. The fate of our leaders should be determined at the ballot box, not in such meetings,” he remarked.
Conversely, John Karangu from Igambang’ombe supported Gachagua’s impeachment. He criticized the Deputy President for neglecting the urgent needs of the people, reflecting the frustrations that many locals feel as they confront pressing issues within their community.
The gathering also proved to be a melting pot of divergent opinions, with some attendees, like David Muchiri, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to partake in the democratic process.
However, others, including Kirimi, lamented the disappointing turnout, labelling it a disgrace and raising concerns about the representativeness of the meeting’s outcomes.
Felix Muriungi took a more critical stance, dismissing the impeachment discourse as mere political maneuvering. He advocated for cohesion and challenged attendees to redirect their focus to the immediate needs of constituents.
Muriungi’s comments resonated widely, particularly as he pointed out the absence of similar public forums during contentious legislative decisions, like the Finance Bill.
Ryan Dagara a resident, echoed the call for solidarity, remarking that the widening rift between President William Ruto and Deputy President Gachagua could ultimately dictate the latter’s political future.
