Otiende Amollo warns Gachagua of lifetime ban over divisive politics

Otiende Amollo says Gachagua risks being declared unfit for public office. [Photos: Elvis Ogina, John Muia/Standard]

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo has warned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of dire consequences if he fails to stop engaging in divisive politics.

According to the legislator, MPs could table a special motion declaring Gachagua unfit to hold any public office for life if he does not desist from using divisive language.

He said the former deputy never learned his lesson after being impeached.

“We realised that we did not go far enough after impeaching you. If you continue like this, we will have to come up with a special motion under Article 75(3), which declares that anyone removed from office under Article 75 cannot stand for any public office for life,” Mr Amollo said.

He warned Gachagua that there would be consequences if he continued with divisive rhetoric.

Amollo said MPs did not regret impeaching Gachagua, as one cannot be the Deputy President of a nation and claim that only part of that nation is entitled to development.

“He said that unless the regions invested shares, they get nothing. That cannot be the language of a Deputy President or any leader. When it comes to development, everyone is entitled. They are entitled to bursaries and to development,” Amollo remarked.

He said every region in the country deserves to benefit from development. He told Gachagua not to be angry because Nyanza was receiving what other regions have been getting all along.

“Right now, what is happening is affirmative action. The Nyanza region should be getting more because it is in greater need so that we can catch up with other regions that have been benefitting since independence,” Amollo stated.

He noted that Raila Odinga’s intervention brought peace to the country and that nobody should be offended by his decision to have a handshake with President Ruto.

The legislator emphasised that Raila made that decision for the good of all Kenyans.

He was speaking at Rongo West Spring SDA Church in Migori County, where, together with Rongo MP Paul Abuor and other dignitaries, they conducted a fundraising ceremony for the church.

Leaders across the country have been criticising the former Deputy President, accusing him of using divisive politics.

MPs Sylvanus Osoro (South Mugirango), Innocent Mugabe (Likuyani), John Bwire (Taveta), and Japheth Nyakundi (Kitutu Chache North) had, at a past function in Migori County, urged Gachagua to stop engaging in ethnic politics.

Osoro, who is also Kenya Kwanza Chief Whip, said some opposition leaders have formed a group of bitter individuals.

“They do not have any hope left. There is this one we impeached at half-term who is now talking about a single term. He could not even convince five MPs to vote for him. The only thing he knows is the Mountain,” Osoro stated.

He told Gachagua to stop wasting his time, adding that he could not intimidate them with threats of violence.

Mugabe, who expressed support for both President Ruto and Raila, said some leaders had attempted every form of propaganda and failed.

“That group wants to continue with the devil’s work,” the legislator remarked.

Nyakundi, the United Democratic Party’s treasurer, said those leaders could not compete with them.

“They don’t have a plan or agenda. Their agenda is a one-term presidency,” Nyakundi said, adding that they could not compete with someone who is ethnic.