Cleophas Malala Calls Out Ruto Over Gachagua’s Impeachment

Former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General Cleophas Malala has strongly criticized President William Ruto following the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday, October 17. Malala expressed his deep disappointment with Ruto’s handling of the situation, accusing the President of abandoning Gachagua in his time of need.

Key Highlights:

Malala criticizes President Ruto: Cleophas Malala publicly condemns Ruto for failing to support Gachagua during his illness and impeachment process.
Gachagua hospitalized: The former Deputy President was admitted to Karen Hospital after experiencing chest pains before the Senate vote.
Confidence in the Judiciary: Malala asserts that the courts will overturn the Senate’s decision, restoring Gachagua’s position.
Gachagua’s political future: Malala insists that Gachagua will remain Deputy President until 2027, despite the current challenges.

Malala’s criticism of Ruto

Speaking outside Karen Hospital, where Gachagua was admitted, Malala did not mince words in his condemnation of President Ruto. He accused the President of being heartless, particularly in the manner he handled Gachagua’s impeachment despite the Deputy President’s health condition. In an emotional address, Malala questioned Ruto’s humanity, implying that the President’s actions were callous and unjust.

“Have you become this heartless, Mr. President, to the sense that your Deputy President is sick, but you are still wrestling him down? What kind of a human being are you, Mr. President? What heart are you made of, Mr. President?” Malala asked, visibly angered by the unfolding events.

Loyalty and Injustice

Malala argued that Gachagua had been loyal to President Ruto and played a critical role in helping him secure the presidency during the 2022 elections. According to the former UDA Secretary-General, Gachagua’s loyalty should have counted for something, especially during his illness. Instead, Malala claimed that Ruto stood by and watched as his Deputy was humiliated in the Senate impeachment process, which eventually led to his removal from office.

“You decided that you will be the last person to kill the aspirations of our Deputy President. We leave you to God,” the former Senator added, expressing a sense of betrayal on behalf of Gachagua.

Confidence in the Judiciary

Despite his disappointment in Ruto, Malala expressed hope in the judicial system, stating that they would take the impeachment case to court and were confident of victory. According to Malala, Gachagua’s team will challenge the Senate’s decision, and they believe the courts will rule in their favor, overturning the impeachment and reinstating Gachagua to his position.

“We have a lot of confidence in our Judiciary, we will have our day in court, and we believe that we are going to emerge victorious,” Malala said.

Gachagua’s Health and Political Future

Malala assured the public that Gachagua’s health was improving and that he would be back on his feet soon. He dismissed concerns about the former Deputy President’s future, asserting that Gachagua would remain a key player in Kenya’s political landscape despite the impeachment. According to Malala, Gachagua will continue serving as Deputy President until 2027, regardless of the current hurdles.

“I want to assure Kenyans that Rigathi Gachagua will be Deputy President up to 2027, watch this space,” Malala confidently declared.

Background on Gachagua’s Hospitalization

Rigathi Gachagua was admitted to Karen Hospital on the same day the Senate voted to impeach him. Reports indicate that Gachagua experienced chest pains just before he was scheduled to be cross-examined by the National Assembly’s legal team during the Senate trial. His sudden health scare raised concerns among his supporters, many of whom saw the impeachment as a politically motivated attack.

While the specifics of Gachagua’s health condition remain undisclosed, Malala’s statements suggest that the former Deputy President is on the road to recovery. However, the political drama surrounding his impeachment continues to unfold, with eyes now turning to the courts for the next chapter in this historic saga.

If the courts side with Gachagua, it could set a precedent in Kenya’s legal and political history, reinforcing the role of the Judiciary in safeguarding constitutional rights. Conversely, if the courts uphold the Senate’s decision, Gachagua’s political career could take a significant hit, forcing President Ruto to nominate a new Deputy President to serve the remainder of his term.