I Knew Religious Leaders’ Efforts To Reconcile Ruto and Gachagua Were Doomed To Fail
The Mt Kenya Times 
FILE PHOTO: Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua speaks during a press conference, ahead of lawmakers' vote over his impeachment motion at his residence in Karen, Nairobi Kenya, October 7, 2024. REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi/File Photo
By: Joseph Mutua Ndonga
Worth Noting:
- Though President Ruto was yet to comment about this matter, Gachagua was mincing no word in claiming that he was behind his woes.
- I listened to Gachagua’s tone when he asked the President to forgive him. The first question is. Why was he asking the head of state to do that?
- The President has along steered clear of the debate touching on his impeachment.
- This once again demonstrated his commitment to uphold the tenets of democracy, rule of law and culture of constitutionalism. As per the law, a motion of impeachment is exclusively handled by MPs.
A day after Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua made a passionate plea to President William Ruto to forgive him, reports indicated that a section of religious leaders and county governors were racing against time in trying to reach President William Ruto.
The efforts were aimed at persuading the President to break his silence and rescue his embattled Deputy.
They hoped to make a breakthrough ahead of yesterday when members of Parliament voted on impeachment motion against Gachagua.
The efforts have now been overtaken by events. The motion sailed through yesterday in the national assembly with 281 MPs voting to impeach the DP while 44 members voted against the motion. One member abstained.
I had listed three grounds why the efforts by clerics were bound to fail.
First, these interventions came when it was too late.
Secondly, Gachagua has already escalated these matters.
Though President Ruto was yet to comment about this matter, Gachagua was mincing no word in claiming that he was behind his woes.
I listened to Gachagua’s tone when he asked the President to forgive him. The first question is. Why was he asking the head of state to do that?
The President has along steered clear of the debate touching on his impeachment.
This once again demonstrated his commitment to uphold the tenets of democracy, rule of law and culture of constitutionalism. As per the law, a motion of impeachment is exclusively handled by MPs.
And even if the DP knew he had wronged the President that is not how you seek forgiveness. Using the words ‘If I have wronged you’ cast a picture of a person who not believes he had wronged anyone.
The DP seemed prepared to use all manner of political trickery to outdo his opponents.
A friend of mine told me the ultimate goal of DP is designed to dent the image of the President and members of parliament.
Here, he seemed to have underestimated the President.
President Ruto cannot therefore give him a space to capitalize on this matter of impeachment and win politics of propaganda and deceit.
The President knows that it won’t take long before the DP start using this card.
Look, I had not committed any crime. The President and his allies were fighting for no reason.
Thirdly, this is not the first time that the religious leaders are involved in similar efforts.
They failed during the era of President Mwai Kibaki and his successor President Uhuru Kenyatta.
During their respective tenures, the two leaders stood their ground that the unity of the country was more important than individual pursuing selfish and personal interests.
This is while reacting to the politicians who were opposed to the President dropping a hardline stance and reaching out to opposition leader Raila Odinga for the truce.
During the Kibaki era, the talks heralded to the formation of a grand coalition government of national unity. The two leaders shared power equally on basis of 50-50.
During Uhuru era, the talks birthed the ‘handshake’.
President Ruto have done the same thing and he has since unveiled a broad based government.
Many Kenyans believe this is the root cause of Gachagua’s war with him.
From the onset, the DP’s disdain for Raila was palpable.
I would urge President Ruto not to cave in and stick to his gun.
I pray that your wish to build a united and cohesive Kenya would bear the fruits and this will stand out as one of the key pillars of your legacy.
Joseph Mutua Ndonga Is A Writer And Social Commentator Based In Nairobi
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