List of all MPs backing Gachagua's ouster, as many fear for their security

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and his Minority counterpart Junet Mohamed have raised concerns about the safety of Members of Parliament who have signed the Motion to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Ichung’wah and Junet, who spoke on Tuesday afternoon after the motion to impeach the Deputy President was tabled, said the security of the 291 who supported Rigathi’s ouster must be guaranteed.

The Majority Leader urged Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to guarantee the security of all 349 Members of Parliament—both within the precincts of Parliament, during committee sittings inside and outside Parliament, and at their homes.

“I speak with the knowledge of sensitive information that I, and others here, have been privy to. We are not dealing with an ordinary matter, nor an ordinary individual. This is a high-stakes situation,” Ichung’wah remarked, alluding to the seriousness of the impeachment process.

Junet described the impeachment of the Deputy President as a momentous occasion, noting that it would be the first time Parliament exercises Article 150 of the Constitution since its enactment.

“Mr. Speaker, as you are aware, members from both sides of the house have signed this motion. I seek your assurance as the Speaker that the safety and security of the 291 Members of Parliament who have endorsed this motion will be guaranteed,” said Hon Junet, shortly after Hon. Mwengi Mutuse (Kibwezi), tabled the motion.

UDA had the most Members supporting the motion at 118 followed by ODM at 84.

The Minority Leader emphasised that the process is far from over.

“The Motion does not conclude with the tabling of the Notice today. It will undergo the full parliamentary process: it will be formally moved, debated, and finally, members will vote. We expect all 291 Members of Parliament who signed to be present and safe on the day of voting,” he added.

Hon Junet also called on the police boss Douglas Kanja, to ensure the protection of all MPs involved, emphasising the gravity of the situation.

“What the National Assembly is undertaking is not a trivial matter. The impeachment of a Deputy President is a significant constitutional process, and the safety of our members must be prioritised.”

Drawing a comparison with the impeachment of former U.S. President Donald Trump, Junet highlighted the importance of maintaining the constitutionality of the process.

“When President Donald Trump faced impeachment in the United States, we witnessed attempts to obstruct the process. We must avoid any such confrontations here. This is a constitutional exercise, and we must respect it,” he stated.

He reiterated that Parliament is merely fulfilling its mandate, in line with the Constitution.

“The House is exercising its rightful authority. We are not stepping outside constitutional bounds. The Constitution provides for the impeachment of a Cabinet Secretary, a Deputy President, or even the President if necessary,” Hon Junet concluded.