Senator Maanzo: If Gachagua Faces Impeachment, So Should the President

Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo, in an interview on September 23, 2024, has asserted that if a motion to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is introduced, then a similar motion should also target President William Ruto. Manzo emphasizes that the President and his Deputy operate as a unified entity, and therefore, any accountability measures should address both leaders simultaneously.

“They are one ticket and one people,” Maanzo declared. “There is nothing wrong that Gachagua has done. If anything, the President has breached the Constitution far more than his Deputy.” He has proposed that if an impeachment motion proceeds against Gachagua, it should run concurrently with one against Ruto, ensuring that both leaders are held accountable for their actions.

The Senator's comments come amid growing political tensions and increasing isolation for Gachagua, who faces an alleged impeachment motion that has further alienated him within the government.

During a recent interview on September 20, 2024, Gachagua revealed that some political leaders have been coerced into opposing him. He claimed that certain individuals are financially incentivizing others to plot his ouster.

“Whatever tool is used to frustrate Rigathi, there must be very good grounds,” Maanzo stated, defending the Deputy President. He has argued that Gachagua has not violated any constitutional provisions and criticized the notion that a Deputy President should prioritize issues outside their constituency over those of their own people.

“Charity begins at home. He was an MP in Nyeri. You cannot say you are the Deputy President and ignore the issues of your people while addressing those in Rift Valley or Ukambani,” he added.