THE END OF THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT POSITION IN KENYA: A DISTURBING SHIFT TOWARDS DICTATORSHIP.
The recent impeachment of Deputy President Hon. Rigathi Gachagua marks a significant and troubling milestone in Kenya's political landscape. For many, this event may have been seen as good news, yet I stand firmly in the belief that this was not the best course of action. The methods employed by Parliament to facilitate this impeachment reflect a concerted effort to undermine the very foundations of our Constitution and the political structure that has been in place since 2010.
With the removal of the Deputy President, we are witnessing the erosion of a vital political office. The implications of this act are profound: it establishes a precedent where the position can easily become a revolving door, subject to the whims of the sitting President. What we must confront is the unsettling reality that future presidents may seek to appoint deputies solely as tokens or as mere extensions of their authority, rather than as key partners in governance.
The trajectory we are on suggests that the position of Deputy President may soon be rendered irrelevant—transformed into a mere assistant role, stripped of its constitutional significance. If history teaches us anything, it is that those in power may seek to consolidate that power even further, and this impeachment serves their purpose. Rather than serving as a check on presidential power, a Deputy President could soon find themselves relegated to carrying briefcases and attending to the president's every need—reducing the position to that of a glorified aide.
We stand at the precipice of a dangerous trend, where any individual occupying the Deputy President role could be easily swept aside, as their authority dwindles and their position resembles that of a minister—vulnerable to the capricious nature of political loyalty. In essence, we are witnessing a systematic dismantling of the Deputy President's office, which will ultimately pave the way for a presidency free from challenge or accountability.
Parliament, in this instance, has been used as a tool to rubber-stamp the destruction of our Constitution. Our lawmakers have danced to the tune of powerful interests, compromising the integrity of a position that was designed to bolster governance and representation. Instead of acting in the best interests of the electorate, they have exhibited a troubling tendency to prioritize personal gains, leaving Kenyans feeling more isolated and powerless than ever.
Looking ahead, I foresee a political landscape where aspirants for the presidency will proliferate, leading to fragmentation and chaos. The notion of coalitions may fall by the wayside as everyone vies for the top seat, further exacerbating political tensions, particularly among minority communities in Kenya. The dismissal of the Deputy President’s role cements the idea that significant power can be wielded without accountability—breeding an environment ripe for dictatorship.
In conclusion, the political maneuvering we have witnessed is a clarion call for vigilance. The impeachment of Deputy President Gachagua marks more than just the fall of an individual; it signifies a fundamental shift in our governance model that threatens to undermine democracy in Kenya. As we forge ahead, it is crucial for citizens to recognize these dangers and to hold our leaders accountable to safeguard the values enshrined in our Constitution.
Here, from within Magarini Constituency, Kilifi County, I express my deep hope and prayer that the judiciary will not succumb to compromise. I urge our judges to stand firm and defend our Constitution to the very end. We must not allow this pivotal moment to pass without a concerted effort to restore the integrity of our political institutions and ensure that our leadership remains accountable to the people.
Let us watch closely, for in this unfolding narrative, it becomes increasingly clear that the repercussions of this decision will resonate far beyond the walls of Parliament—a cautionary tale of what happens when power is unchecked.
Hon. Paul Mwangi- PM
Magarini Constituency.
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