Ruto-Allied MPs Reject Call to Impeach President Kenyatta

MPs allied to Deputy President William Ruto have rejected a proposal to impeach President Kenyatta following last week’s High Court ruling on the BBI referendum process.

A five-judge bench declared the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) unconstitutional, ruling that Kenyatta violated Chapter 6 of the Constitution by initiating the process to amend the constitution.

Legal experts say the ruling is a suitable ground for the impeachment of President Kenyatta unless it is set aside by a higher court.

"Any MP who wants to impeach the president has the basis to institute the impeachment motion. Such a motion is strengthened by the president's failure to appoint 41 judges. There have been grounds of impeaching President Kenyatta even before," said lawyer Charles Kanjama.

But led by Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua, leaders allied to Ruto said they will not be part of such plans, stating that they are keen to have Kenyatta complete his final term next year.

"Kenyatta is our President. Why would we impeach our own? Ours is to support him define our legacy," Gachagua stated.

His sentiments were echoed by Keiyo South MP Daniel Rono, who said, "We have no reason to plant seeds of discord. The Bible advises us to never pay evil with evil. Our ultimate goal is the presidency in 2022.”

Belgut MP Nelson Koech stated that Ruto’s camp is not interested in impeaching President Kenyatta or changing the constitution.

"We said we are not interested in the BBI as the country has other issues to focus on. The court has vindicated our position," he said.