Following the impeachment of Vice President Ligati Gachagua, some MPs, especially those from Mt Kenya, have become prisoners of fear as they do not have the courage to visit their constituencies citing public anger.
Prior to Mr. Gachagua’s impeachment, the Democratic Progressive Party presented itself as the victim of being maligned in defense of its causes, such as one person, one vote, one shilling and the fight against illegal beer, and had a powerful presence at the grassroots level. He had built a strong supporter base.
Some leaders who voted to impeach Gachagua say they are now unable to face voters and hope that sentiment will subside.
Gachagua’s impeachment has sparked controversy and anger among his loyal supporters, who see it as a coordinated attempt to weaken his political influence nationwide.
“Most of us, especially those who supported Mr. Gachagua’s ouster, are feeling hard. It’s like being stuck during the lockdown. Even when you want to visit your friends, you don’t want to be booed or dressed up. Out of fear, they use small cars where voters can’t see them,” the lawmaker said.
Another added: “Our political advisors have warned us to stop grassroots exchanges because people are not going to hear anything from us or get anything from us. We were hoping for a replacement for the DP from the Western Mountains of Kenya, but our hopes were dashed.”
They say the impeachment process will also affect relations with the public, and many fear that if Gachagua is saved by the courts, it will be unbearable for him to interact with the public. .
“We are betting our hopes on the courts. If Mr. Gachagua is impeached, it may be the end of our people and allow us to continue our mission, but if he is saved, we are doomed.” “We will,” the female lawmaker said.
President Ruto’s cancellation of a demonstration tour on October 13 in which he was scheduled to preside over a ceremony to commemorate the 34th anniversary of the diocese’s founding at St. Mark’s Teacher Training College in Kigali further heightened fears of a backlash from MPs.
That week, the burial of Henry Gachie, brother of Bahati MP Irene Njoki, was held in public as locals booed leaders who mentioned President Ruto’s name or praised his administration. This became the ground for conflict between the government and its representatives.
Nakuru State Governor Susan Kihika first faced public outrage when she read the president’s condolence letter. She had to plead with a hostile crowd to be allowed to deliver a message to her family.
“You’ve been furious lately…but I appreciate you giving us some real feedback,” she said as she hurriedly read the president’s speech amid the jeers.
George Macharia, a member of Indian parliament, was also trying to highlight government projects on Mount Kenya, but was forced to interrupt his speech after mourners yelled at him.
Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba said her colleagues chose to become prisoners of fear because they did not listen to the ground before supporting Gachagua’s impeachment.
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“The reaction from the ground is the real proof that public participation never took place. If impeachment reflects the will of the people, then every leader should visit his or her constituency as usual. Because you’re supposed to,” she said.
