COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has called for the arrest of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of overstepping his authority and publicly opposing the government’s agenda.
Atwoli’s comments come amid rising tensions within the Kenyan government and a push for constitutional amendments regarding the role of the Deputy President.
Key Points from Atwoli’s Statements:
Atwoli advocates for a change in the constitution to ensure that the Deputy President remains an appointee of the President rather than a running mate. He argues that this would reduce political drama and clarify the hierarchy within the government, stating,
I said earlier on that the position of deputy president must remain of appointment, being appointed by the president. And we know this sarcasm here. The deputy president should be an appointee of the president, not a running mate. Because when he becomes a running mate, he thinks he’s also a president.
Francis Atwoli
Atwoli suggested that Gachagua should be arrested for his public dissent against government policies.
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He referenced historical precedents, asserting that during previous administrations, such actions would have resulted in immediate consequences.
He must be arrested. If it were our KANU government, we would have arrested him in the morning. You can’t contradict government policies, contradict your own president, contradict everything
Francis Atwoli
The remarks come as Gachagua faces increasing scrutiny and a potential censure motion filed by Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana.
The motion cites Gachagua’s alleged incitement and marginalization of minority groups as reasons for his impeachment.
This political turmoil reflects broader discontent within the ruling coalition, with some leaders distancing themselves from Gachagua.
His call for constitutional reform aims to address perceived imbalances in power and authority between the President and Deputy President.
As tensions rise, both Atwoli’s statements and Gachagua’s responses are likely to have significant implications for Kenya’s political future.
The situation is further complicated by public sentiment regarding governance and representation, with various groups, including Atheists in Kenya, also calling for Gachagua’s impeachment due to allegations of fostering tribal politics.
As these developments unfold, they will undoubtedly shape the discourse surrounding leadership and governance in Kenya.
