Gachagua Defends Himself in Impeachment Hearing, Citing Ruto’s Criticism of Officials.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has defended himself against impeachment, arguing that one of the allegations presented in Parliament is unjust. He stated that he merely followed the leadership example set by President William Ruto. Gachagua’s remarks came during a recent impeachment hearing where he addressed sensational claims he made regarding National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji amid protests led by Gen Z against the now-retracted Finance Bill 2024.
Gachagua’s Critique of NIS Performance
In a press conference held in Mombasa on June 26, 2024, Gachagua called for Haji’s resignation, criticizing him for what he described as a decline in the effectiveness of the NIS under Haji’s leadership. Gachagua asserted that since Haji took over from Major General (Rtd) Philip Wachira Kameru in June 2023, the NIS has become dysfunctional. He emphasized that the agency failed to gauge public sentiment, particularly regarding the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
“I sympathize with President Ruto because this critical information was unavailable to him. The NIS is responsible for providing such intelligence, and that is where the problem lies. We have a dysfunctional NIS that has exposed the President, the government, and the people of Kenya,” Gachagua stated during the press briefing.
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He further added, “Noordin Haji must take responsibility for the deaths that occurred and for the chaos we witnessed. In addition, he has failed Ruto, the government, and the people of Kenya by not fulfilling his duties properly. He should resign and allow the President to appoint a competent Director General.”
Invoking President Ruto’s Critiques
When confronted with the impeachment allegations, Gachagua sought to exonerate himself by referencing President Ruto’s previous criticisms of government officials. He pointed out that Ruto has openly criticized underperforming officials without facing impeachment himself, whether as Deputy President or currently as Head of State.
“What is good for the goose must surely be good for the gander,” Gachagua remarked. He noted that the protests surrounding the Finance Bill 2024 exposed the NIS’s failure to perform its duties effectively.
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“I am convinced that the NIS should have anticipated the public’s opposition to the Finance Bill. They should have briefed the President before the protests began, which could have altered the government’s approach to the proposed bill. The subsequent protests, leading to the loss of innocent lives and property damage, could have been avoided,” he explained to the Members of Parliament.
A Call for Accountability
Gachagua expressed that his comments during the Mombasa briefing were consistent with global practices when intelligence agencies fail. He played clips of President Ruto chastising senior officials for their poor performance, emphasizing the need for accountability in government.
“I am aware that the Kenya Kwanza Government has consistently called out officials who do not grasp their responsibilities. Recently, my boss, the President, publicly lamented that some Permanent Secretaries and Cabinet Secretaries seemed unaware of their roles,” Gachagua stated.
In one of the video clips, President Ruto remarked, “Many of you don’t even know what is happening in your ministries or departments; you have very scant information. The moment I know more than you in your ministry, something is very wrong.”
Gachagua’s defense during the impeachment hearing underscores a broader call for accountability within the Kenyan government. By highlighting President Ruto’s previous criticisms, he aims to demonstrate that holding officials accountable is not just a personal vendetta but a necessity for effective governance. As the impeachment proceedings unfold, the emphasis on responsibility and performance will likely remain at the forefront of discussions.
Gachagua Defends Himself in Impeachment Hearing, Citing Ruto’s Criticism of Officials.
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