Low Turnout Marks Uasin Gishu County’s Public Hearing on DP Gachagua’s Impeachment
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Uasin Gishu County, traditionally supportive of President William Ruto, saw a disappointing turnout as residents gathered to voice their opinions on the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The public hearings, held at constituency levels, faced significant participation challenges over the weekend, compounded by chaotic scenes the previous Friday at the Eldoret County Hall.
Hundreds of residents had expressed frustration during Friday’s event, where they accused local MPs of failing to address pressing issues affecting their lives. Many called for the impeachment of the MPs instead of the Deputy President, emphasizing that the focus should be on tangible problems rather than political maneuvering. Local resident John Kemboi stated, “We are facing a myriad of problems in the country, and yet our leaders choose to discuss how to send the DP packing as if that will put food on our tables.”
Amidst this public outcry, several MPs from the region opted to skip the hearings altogether, citing concerns over hostile reactions from constituents. Notably absent were David Kiplagat (Soy), Oscar Sudi (Kapseret), Janet Sitienei (Turbo), Samuel Chepkonga (Ainabkoi), Julius Rutto (Kesses), Phylis Bartoo, and Uasin Gishu women representative Gladys Shollei, who were instead seen attending funeral services in various villages.
Security was heightened at the designated public hearing venues, yet attendance remained low. For instance, only five individuals had shared their views by noon at the Soy constituency NG-CDF office, while police officers in anti-riot gear waited idly nearby. Joan Lelei, the presiding officer at that location, remarked, “The majority of the people were going about their daily chores thinking that the exercise ended on Friday.”
This low turnout comes in the wake of a High Court order that mandated the National Assembly to conduct a second round of public participation concerning the impeachment motion. The ruling followed a petition filed by Kirinyaga women MP James Njeri Maina, who argued that the ongoing debate required broader public engagement. The court directed that the participation be expanded to sub-county levels to ensure inclusivity.
As residents in Uasin Gishu County expressed their discontent with political priorities, the fate of the Deputy President’s impeachment remains uncertain, with many calling for a return to more pressing local issues.
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