By Antynet Ford
Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya has asked Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and his Busia counterpart Okiya Omtatah to vote against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment.
Speaking on X this morning, the legislature warned Sifuna that supporting the impeachment of Gachagua would put his career at risk.
“I want to remind you my brother, Edwin Sifuna, you have options to choose ‘Yes’ to impress the ODM party or ‘No’ to save your long political ambition. Don’t lose these seven constituencies in Nairobi, you need them and Kenyans in general who see no reason for Gachagua’s impeachment.” Salasya told Sifuna on X.
The Mumias East MP pleaded also with Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah saying he was trusted and loved by most Kenyans and that they were counting on him.
“For Senator Okiya Omtatah, you are loved and trusted by Kenyans in general and the mood of Kenyans [is that] they wanted both [impeached] and not one. Senator, you are a trusted leader in the Senate vote ‘No’ and you will see. Money will come and go but trust wins across the board.” Salasyia said to Omtatah.
The impeachment of Gachagua is advancing to the Senate following a decisive vote in the National Assembly.
Read also:- Speaker Wetangula Criticizes Deputy President Gachagua’s TV Interview Amid Impeachment Motion
On October 8, 2024, lawmakers voted 281 to 44 in favor of impeachment, citing charges of corruption, abuse of office, and inciting ethnic division.
The Senate is set to conduct the trial in plenary, allowing all members to participate rather than a select committee, expediting the process.
The Senate will review 11 specific charges, and if two-thirds support any charge, Gachagua will be removed from office.
The trial is scheduled for October 16 and 17.
Gachagua has denied the allegations, claiming they are politically motivated amid a rift with President William Ruto.