Ruto is under pressure from his allies: Senator Maanzo says over Gachagua impeachment

In an interview on DayBreak, Maanzo alleged that the president's allies such as National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah have shown interest in replacing Gachagua and would benefit from the ouster. 

He also claimed that Ruto's close circle is hell bent on reserving the DP's seat for the Mt Kenya region to position themselves strategically ahead of the 2027 General Election. 

"President Ruto and DP Gachagua are in the same ballot paper, they should either serve the whole term or both of them go so that Kenya can have a new beginning. I think the President needs to be looked at the matter carefully. He should not follow the Ichungwa’s of this world who pressure him," the senator said. 

"You know the president is under a lot of pressure from certain fellows. Ichung’wah himself is interested in being the deputy president because they are saying if they remove Gachagua, they must bring in another Kikuyu and that’s why we are all guilty of tribalism," he added.

Maanzo cautioned the president to rise above the political narratives propagated by the MPs and unify the country.  

"The president has a duty to hold this country together, to be a symbol of national unity and be above this petty politics of MPs who are not working for the people who elected them," he pointed out. 

During the interview, Maanzo also alleged that the MPs were targeting Gachagua for failing to give them handouts. 

“There is nobody in Kenya not guilty of tribalism. What is happening is mob justice against Gachagua. If the issue is his wealth, he should be allowed to declare and explain his wealth," the senator said. 

"The MPs expected Gachagua to call them every Friday to give them something from the confidential budget. This is what the accusations are about."

Maanzo's remarks echo sentiments from opposition politicians who have in the past cautioned Ruto that he would be the next target if Gachagua's impeachment sails through. 

The motion, tabled by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, outlines 11 grounds to impeach Gachagua, citing that he has grossly violated the Constitution, engaged in corruption and undermined the presidency. 

It is currently undergoing public participation before proceeding to the National Assembly for debate on October 8, 2024.