As public participation regarding the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua kicked off nationwide, Meru County hosted the event at Kamundi Hall in Meru town.
The event drew mixed reactions from the attendants with a significant majority of residents who spoke with the media opposing the impeachment motion, showcasing a community divided yet largely supportive of Gachagua.
In an unexpected move, legislators opted for a questionnaire asking residents to fill in their views on the impeachment rather than the debate that most attendants had anticipated, sparking frustration and confusion among those eager to engage in direct discussion.
Tigania West MP John Mutunga spearheaded the call for Gachagua’s removal, accusing him of neglecting the region and fostering bias in allocating national resources.
“We as Meru have lost numerous top seats,” Mutunga stated, highlighting the loss of positions such as the KRA Chairman and the KEBS Chairperson.
He lamented that despite President William Ruto’s goodwill gestures towards the Mt Kenya region, Meru remains sidelined in the distribution of resources, igniting anger among residents and leaders who are now considering forming a distinct “Mt Kenya East” region to reclaim their stake in the national agenda.
“We cannot remain in Mt. Kenya and watch our people suffer. It’s better to be called Mt. Kenya East, where we can fight for our share of the national cake,” Mutunga declared, indicating discontent that has simmered under the surface.
Despite the strong voices advocating for the impeachment, many attendees voiced their unwavering support for Gachagua.
David Munene, a resident of Mwanganthia in Central Imenti, expressed strong opposition to the process, stating, “We are opposed to the whole process because the DP and the president were elected on a single ticket. If the DP goes, then the president should follow suit.”
Munene characterized the public participation as a mere joke, questioning the legitimacy of the process when more serious matters, such as the Andani deal and the NHIF to Shif health schemes migration, were not properly addressed.
Hellen Kajuju, a resident of the Magundu area, echoed Munene’s concerns, decrying the lack of meaningful public participation.
“There were only questionnaires at the social hall,” she criticized, highlighting that real engagement was sorely lacking.
Other residents voiced their support for Gachagua, emphasizing his loyalty and contribution to President Ruto’s election.
“We elected President Ruto because of Gachagua. Don’t be shaken; we have your back our Deputy President,” asserted resident Jecinta Wangari.
Others echoed her sentiments, with Simon Kariuki stating, “Kenyans elected both the President and the Deputy; no one should be pushed out of office.”
In contrast, Stanley Bundi, a former market leader, stood firmly against Gachagua, pointing out that the Deputy President’s favoritism towards one region is unacceptable for a national leader.
“Kenya is made up of more than one tribe, and we cannot tolerate tribalism,” Bundi said, underscoring the importance of equitable representation for all Kenyans.
Some residents, such as Mathew Murithi Riungi, defended Gachagua’s performance and criticized the impeachment motion as politically motivated.
“If accusations against Gachagua are valid, then the President should also be scrutinized,” he stated.
Bishop Riungu of the Redeemed Assemblies of God Church opposed the impeachment, expressing concerns over the legislature’s failure to consult constituents before pursuing such drastic actions.
“We need to see proof of why they are impeaching him. MPs should remember that it is Kenyans who put them in office,” he argued.
