Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s troubles are about to become even worse. A petition has been sent to Parliament recommending that deputy presidents be barred from vying for the presidency immediately after their term ends, removing the mat under the feet of Gachagua.
The petition, submitted on Monday, June 3, has sparked widespread debate and could lead to significant constitutional changes.
The petition, spearheaded by John Mweha Kariuki, a prominent community leader from Ndenderu, calls for an amendment to Article 148 of the Constitution to include a new clause.
The proposed amendment seeks to add a clause stating, “The deputy president shall be ineligible to vie for the presidency immediately after his or her term is over.”
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Mweha expressed his frustration over the recurrent conflicts between presidents and their deputies, which he believes undermine the country’s governance and service delivery.
“It hurts me and every Kenyan to see the President and his deputy fighting all the time. This has often led to many Kenyans not receiving services like they should,” Mweha lamented.
The potential implications of this petition are far-reaching. If adopted by the National Assembly, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua could be prevented from running for president once his term with President William Ruto concludes.
This move comes amidst reports of growing tensions between Ruto and Gachagua, echoing the discord that previously plagued the Jubilee Party.
The Jubilee Party, established for the 2017 General Election, was intended to be a political powerhouse. However, it dramatically disintegrated when then-President Uhuru Kenyatta fell out with his deputy, Ruto. Initially a coalition between Kenyatta’s The National Alliance (TNA) and Ruto’s United Republican Party (URP), Jubilee’s collapse was marked by accusations and a fractured political landscape.
At the height of their dispute, Ruto accused Kenyatta of “damaging” Jubilee by collaborating with opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Now, similar rifts are appearing within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), with reports indicating that Gachagua has lost certain privileges, such as using government helicopters for travel.
Mweha argues that the proposed constitutional amendment would foster cooperative governance by eliminating the potential for future competition between the president and deputy president.
“Adding this clause to the Constitution will promote harmony, prevent conflicts of interest, and encourage political diversity,” Mweha asserted.
Furthermore, Mweha believes the amendment would enhance the integrity and fairness of the electoral process. “Preventing the deputy president from vying for presidency will curtail the use of state resources and influence accumulated during their term to skew presidential elections,” he said, stressing the importance of maintaining the democratic process’s integrity.
Mweha also highlighted the potential benefits of political diversity and stability. “Barring the deputy president from running for president will open the field to a broader array of candidates, ensuring voters have a wider selection and promoting a vibrant democracy,” he explained. This move would also prevent premature succession politics, contributing to political stability and mutual cohesion within the executive branch.
Additionally, Mweha pointed out that the ineligibility for the presidency would encourage the deputy president to focus fully on their current responsibilities, resulting in better governance and alignment with the president’s agenda
“The intent of this petition is to strengthen the integrity of the executive branch, prevent conflicts of interest, enhance service delivery, and foster fair political competition. It is inequitable for a Kenyan to serve as deputy president for a decade and as President for another decade. Fresh leadership and new ideas are vital for the continuous growth and development of our nation,” Mweha added.
Mweha presented his petition under Article 119 (1) of the Constitution of Kenya, which grants every citizen the right to petition Parliament to consider any matter within its authority, including enacting, amending, or repealing legislation.
The petition now awaits a response from Parliament, setting the stage for what could be a historic constitutional amendment.
BY SAMUEL MWANA WA NJUGUNA
Read the original article on https://www.kenyans.co.ke/
