Gachagua counts on courts despite losing 24 bids

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is looking up to the courts to deliver him justice in the face of the onslaught mounted by members of Parliament.

Gachagua, who seems to have ruled out chances of surviving in the Senate, where his case is due this Thursday, said he believes judges will reason with him.

Despite losing more than 24 bids to stop MPs from removing him, he told a church service in Embu on Sunday he had faith in the courts.

“We have faith in the courts…Our judiciary is very professional,” he said while attending the 34th Anniversary of the ACK Diocese of Embu.

“I have no doubt in my mind that our eminent judges will protect and uphold the constitution, the rule of law and always ensure the will of the people is sovereign.That is the way a good country runs,” the DP said.

“Kenyans have faith in the courts of law to protect and uphold the constitution, and that the people are supreme.”

Gachagua urged those after him to follow the tenets for which he could be building a court challenge, saying that will be a sure way of having a good country.

He urged his supporters not to worry about his tribulations in the face of the state clampdown saying, “There is a God in heaven”.

“We are Christians and we believe God will do his will…man can plan but God prevails. I ask that you continue praying for us,” Gachagua said.

In another glimpse of his court plan, the DP said the question in the debacle is how a person elected by many people can be removed by a few.

“President Ruto and I were elected by many people… how can it be that we were elected by these many people only to be removed by a few? Is that justice?” he asked.

Gachagua, in his first public sentiments since 282 MPs voted to oust him, thanked those who stood by him in his hour of need.

At least 40 MPs voted to have him sent packing, giving the Senate the baton to finish the job.

Some 19 lawmakers defied party whipping and stood by the DP in the 11 charges Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse levelled against him.

“I thank Gitonga Mukunji (Manyatta MP) for voting No. He listened to people. Double N Pamela Njoki also wrote a letter but changed her mind and allowed the people’s will.” For the DP, those after him should appreciate that “the wishes of the people should be respected.”

While giving a chance that the courts may also fail to hear his plea, Gachagua called for calm, whichever way his case goes.

“Irrespective of the outcome, I call for peace in Mt Kenya and the country as a whole. We only have one country. Let us love one another and work hard to change the course of our nation,” DP Gachagua said.

He made the sentiments before leading the congregation in a song which calls for people to trust in God at all times.

Gachagua has 10 hours on Thursday within which his fate will be decided by 67 Senators, all of whom have been asked to be around for the case.

Kakamega lawmaker Boni Khalwale said their decision, as a Senate, will be determined by the case and the counter-arguments.

“We will not fail to remove him from office if he has not done anything wrong,” he said.