Members of Parliament are rallying for enhanced security assurances following the introduction of an impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed has raised concerns over the safety of the 291 MPs who supported the motion, urging Speaker Moses Wetangula to coordinate with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to ensure their protection.
Speaking passionately during Tuesday’s session, Junet emphasized the importance of safeguarding the MPs as the impeachment process unfolds, likening it to high-stakes political scenarios in other nations. “What we are doing is not a small thing,” he stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Echoing these sentiments, Dadaab MP Farah Maalim went a step further, suggesting that security should also extend to President William Ruto. Maalim alleged there are individuals who might resort to drastic measures to influence the outcome of the motion, claiming that a serious threat exists to the President’s safety. “The stakes are incredibly high, and we must protect not just the MPs, but the integrity of our democratic processes,” he warned.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah added his voice to the call for security, recalling the historic storming of Parliament during the Gen Z demonstrations. He insisted that security forces must beef up protections to ensure the safety of elected officials. “The security of MPs is paramount,” Ichung’wah stated, emphasizing the need for robust measures both inside and outside Parliament. “We are not dealing with an ordinary man but a black man with a very black heart,” he noted, alluding to the high tensions surrounding the impeachment.
