A year after proposing the motion that led to the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua as Deputy President, Kibwezi West MP Eckomas Mwengi Mutuse looks back with pride.
The first-term legislator, who shot to national prominence following the historic move, likens Gachagua’s impeachment to Kenya’s independence and the birth of multiparty democracy.
“I am very proud of what we did because it was an assignment for this country,” Mr Mutuse said in a tell-all interview with NTV at Kanyungu Village in Makueni County on Friday.
Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse testifies during the impeachment trial of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at the Senate on October 17, 2024.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
“It is similar to what our founding fathers did to gain independence in 1963, and what Raila Odinga and others did during the second liberation to free our country from dictatorship.”
Elected on a Maendeleo Chap Chap Party ticket, Mr Mutuse said the decision to initiate Gachagua’s impeachment was driven by the Deputy President’s public call to discriminate against regions that did not vote for President William Ruto in 2022 – including Kitui, Machakos and Makueni counties.
“Gachagua came to Kitui and faulted President Ruto for giving sons and daughters of Ukambani jobs while the region did not vote for Kenya Kwanza.
He undermined our people by claiming our votes were inconsequential,” he said.
Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse shot to national prominence for moving the impeachment motion of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
“Everybody knew he was wrong, but nobody had the courage to act. I didn’t feel intimidated. It was my duty as a leader. I am proud we ended discrimination and showed that even small communities deserve a share of the national cake.”
The advocate of the High Court defended his performance during the Senate proceedings, saying his lengthy submissions and strategy helped secure the impeachment.
“It was a conscious decision to manage time so that by the time they finished with me, they had no time to cross-examine other witnesses. Cases are won on strategy and tactics,” he said. “We added charges on corruption and coffee to distract them – and it worked.”
Then Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during his impeachment hearing at the Senate in Nairobi on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
Mr Mutuse said his central role in the impeachment had elevated his national profile and inspired him to consider a presidential run in 2032.
“I’ve been to 170 constituencies, and people call me a national hero. If a poll were done today, many Kenyans would say they’re unhappy with Gachagua,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that his actions had come at a personal cost. “I’ve never been, and will never be, a coward. People can vandalise property, but they’re intimidating the wrong person,” he said.
The impeachment also strained his relations with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka , who has since allied himself with Gachagua.
Mr Musyoka has accused Mr Mutuse of plotting to block his 2027 presidential bid and vowed to “dim” his political star. In June, a hotel associated with the MP was vandalised by youth linked to the Wiper camp.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his legal counsel Paul Muite before the Senate in Nairobi during the second day of his impeachment trial on October 17, 2024.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
Despite the hostility, Mr Mutuse remains defiant. Backed by Mwingi North MP Charles Nguna and Taita Taveta MP John Bwire – both former Kalonzo allies now aligned with President William Ruto – he predicts the end of “exclusion politics” in Ukambani.
“Kalonzo, be brave. Lead from the front. Make decisions that may seem unpopular today but will be appreciated later. For progress, structured engagement with the President is necessary,” he said.
