Allegations of bribery during the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have stirred fresh political debate after Suna East MP Junet Mohammed claimed lawmakers received money before voting on the motion in October 2024.
Speaking at a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) convention in Kakamega on Sunday, Junet alleged that both National Assembly and Senate members were facilitated ahead of the vote, which resulted in Gachagua’s removal from office.
He further claimed that Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot was responsible for handling the funds.
“Wakati tulikuwa tunafukuza Gachagua kazi, kuna kitu ilitembea hapo. Huko Bunge. Accounting officer alikuwa Aaron Cheruiyot,” he said.
The legislator went on to suggest that some of those who allegedly received the money failed to use it wisely, urging them instead to invest in building decent homes.
He also accused an unnamed Member of Parliament of wasting the alleged funds on lavish spending rather than making meaningful investments.
“Sasa wengine wanatuambia wako na watu, na wanataka kutupeleka kwa mtu sisi tuli-impeach, tulifukuza yeye kazi. Na unajua Waziri, wakati tulikuwa nunafukuza Rigathi Gachagua kazi, kuna kitu ilitembea hapo… huku Bunge, wacha niseme ukweli,” Junet added.
His remarks injected fresh controversy into an already politically charged Sunday, as leaders from different camps held separate events across the country to rally support for their respective agendas.
Junet made the claims while addressing supporters in Kakamega, the political backyard of Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives and MSMEs Development Wycliffe Oparanya.
Elsewhere, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna led a Linda Mwananchi political caravan in neighbouring Bungoma County, where he criticised President William Ruto’s administration.
At the same time, President Ruto was in Busia attending the consecration of the fourth Bishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya’s Katakwa Diocese.
While responding to Sifuna’s criticism over the Affordable Housing Programme, the Head of State remarked, “Kwani hii kuku iko na kilo ngapi haiwezi fika 12th floor.”
The latest claims by Junet are expected to fuel further political discussion over the events surrounding Gachagua’s impeachment.
