Impeachment proceedings against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PRESERVING THE INTEGRITY OF THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT'S OFFICE. 

I wish to express my thoughts regarding the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. This situation is not merely about one individual; it poses significant implications for the constitutional role and future integrity of the Deputy Presidency in our nation.

The position of Deputy President was established under the 2010 Constitution to ensure a more accountable and meaningful role, providing a crucial balance in our governance structure. Unlike the previous system where a president appointed a vice president, the current model enables the Deputy President to be directly elected alongside the president, thereby ensuring that they represent the electorate's will comprehensively. This structural change was intended to strengthen our democracy, encourage national cohesion during elections, and prevent a centralization of power that could be exploited for political gains.

However, the current impeachment proceedings raise alarms about the trajectory of this position. If the political landscape allows for the easy removal of a Deputy President, we risk transforming this pivotal role into a highly politicized and undervalued position. Such a precedent could jeopardize the spirit of the 2010 Constitution, ultimately diminishing the trust placed in this office by future leadership and our citizens.

Furthermore, I must highlight the concerning nature of recent public participation concerning these proceedings. With very short notice provided, many who voted for both the President and Deputy President in the last general election were unable to participate and express their views. This raises a fundamental question: how can a limited number of voices decide the fate of over 14 million citizens who cast their votes? While I acknowledge that the Deputy President has faced criticism and some allegations, including those I may not personally support, I advocate for a process that is sufficiently quantitative and qualitative in terms of public participation. It is essential for the voices of the many to be genuinely heard and considered.

Moreover, any allegations against a Deputy President must first be substantiated by court decisions or findings from relevant authorities before they can serve as appropriate grounds for removal. Relying on hearsay and propaganda undermines the integrity of our political processes and the respect owed to elected officials. 

I urge Members of Parliament to also consider the implications of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) currently being out of place. Should the Deputy President be removed, there needs to be a valid mechanism to confirm that any replacement meets the constitutional qualifications for the office of Deputy President, just as would be the case for a President. Who will validate these qualifications on behalf of the public? It is worth noting that it is the sole responsibility of the IEBC to issue the necessary nomination certificates, and without them, the procedural integrity of our political system is at risk.

If we allow the position of Deputy President to be rendered irrelevant, we risk a situation where various regions, parties, and community groups become increasingly desperate for presidential positions. This could result in a concentration of power among a few regions or communities, where those in power may dismiss deputies at will, leading to a governance structure devoid of collaboration and representation. Such a scenario threatens not only our constitutional framework but also our economic stability.

As we reflect on the ongoing impeachment saga, let us keep in mind that I did not vote for this Kenya Kwanza government in the last general election. I voted for the Azimio team led by Raila Odinga for President and Martha Karua for Deputy President. Unfortunately, my team lost to William Ruto, the current president, and Rigathi Gachagua as his deputy. Nonetheless, I recognize the importance of preserving the integrity of the Deputy Presidency for the good of our nation.

If we allow the political machinations of today to undermine a role that is essential to the governance of our nation, we may find ourselves regretting the consequences in the future—especially should we encounter leadership that prioritizes personal power over constitutional obligations.

An empowered, respected, and fairly treated Deputy President is vital for the betterment of our governance structure, our democracy, and our nation's unity. It is not merely about one person; it is about the future of this critical office and the legacy we leave for the generations to come.

Thank you for considering these thoughts as we navigate this important issue.

Paul Mwangi  

Magarini Constituency.