LIVE BLOG: Low Turnout Rocks Day Two of Public Participation on Gachagua’s Impeachment
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the unfolding events surrounding the public participation on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment.
Today marks the second day of this highly charged process, following the National Assembly’s extension of public hearings after the High Court mandated a broader scope to cover all 290 constituencies.
As Kenyans continue submitting their views across the country, tensions are running high, with protests and chaotic scenes being witnessed in various regions. Stay with us for real-time updates.
11:00 am – Low Turnout at Public Participation Centres
Kenyans have shied away from the public participation exercise being carried out by the National Assembly on the motion to impeach DP Gachagua.
From station to station, many of the constituency offices have few to no people as Kenyans stay clear of the impeachment motion participation.
This comes after Kenyans trooped to various venues to voice their opinions on the motion. For those who are already at the stations, remain split on the motion.
08:30 am – High Court Deals Fresh Blow to Gachagua
Deputy President Gachagua has faced yet another setback as the High Court on Friday, declined to halt the ongoing public participation process.
High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi dismissed Gachagua’s attempt to stop the proceedings and instructed him to serve the Speaker of the National Assembly and Parliament with suit papers by Wednesday, October 9th.
This is one day after the impeachment motion is scheduled to be tabled in the National Assembly.
08:00 am – Recap of Friday’s Public Participation Chaos
Thousands of Kenyans turned up on Friday for the public hearings, with some regions experiencing heated confrontations between supporters and opponents of Gachagua’s impeachment.
In Mt Kenya, chaos erupted, and rival factions clashed. While some rallied behind the ouster, others demanded President William Ruto’s inclusion in the motion.
Chants of “No Gachagua, no Ruto” echoed through the crowds, with protesters in Nairobi’s Bomas of Kenya turning out in large numbers.
Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang struggled to manage the rowdy crowd, as activists clashed and police intervened to restore order.
In Nyeri, Gachagua’s home county, demonstrations broke out as locals accused MPs of bribing people to support the impeachment. Police dispersed the protesters using teargas, and public participation in the area quickly descended into chaos.
In Murang’a, claims of manipulation were rampant, with locals accusing officials of tampering with participation papers. Despite the turmoil, Senator Joe Nyutu maintained that “the ground’s stand is known, and the will of God will prevail.”
Several counties, including Kirinyaga, Laikipia, and Nyandarua, saw violent confrontations as the public attempted to air their views. In Laikipia, opposing groups clashed, prompting the deployment of more police officers to contain the situation. Similar scenes played out in Nakuru, where residents claimed that the participation forms were missing official stamps.
