Senator Tabitha Karanja Under Fire for Nyayo Era Comment During Gachagua’s Impeachment
Key takeaways
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- Nakuru senator Tabitha Karanja took the floor Thursday evening to contribute to the debate on Deputy Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment.
- In her brief speech, Hon. Karanja decried the political instability caused by the Deputy President’s impeachment saga.
- Senator Tabitha argued that in her experience as a business person, lack of stability has harsh effects on businesses across the country.
- She proposed that Kenya consider bringing back the Moi-era arrangement that allowed the president to hire and fire vice presidents at will, bypassing politically draining processes.
- The senator’s views have angered a section of Kenyans who have bashed her on social media.
Also read: Gachagua’s Lawyers Turn Attention to EACC Deputy CEO After Grilling MP Mutuse
Tabitha Karanja refuses to save Deputy President Gachagua from impeachment
Nakuru senator spoke in support of removing the deputy president from office following his prosecution at the senate by Kibwezi MP Mwengi Mutuse.
Mr. Mutuse laid 11 grounds against the deputy president that included among others enriching himself using his office.
Speaker Amason Kingi opened the floor for debate allowing senators to speak their minds on the case before voting on the individual charges presented before them.
Tabitha Karanja is among the senators who spoke in support of Gachagua’s removal, saying that he had lost the confidence of his boss.
“When the boss says he doesn’t want the person that is hired, a manager, it is hard to say you can save that person. Even if you save him, where is he going to work, he may even find the offices are locked,” said Senator Karanja.
Senator Tabitha Karanja calls for the restoration of presidential powers to hire and fire deputies
In her contribution, Hon. Tabitha reminded the public of her accomplished career in business before she ventured into politics.
She is widely considered a trailblazer for taking on the much-established East Africa Breweries Limited in the beverages processing sector.
The founder and former CEO of Keroche Breweries Limited is credited for developing  Kenya’s first home-grown beer and alcoholic drink.
Mrs. Karanja also passionately spoke about the stability and the growth of businesses. According to her, the protracted process of removal from office of the deputy president threatens the stability of Kenya.
“We all know the people who drive the economy. Those in manufacturing, hotels, insurance, and financial institutions. Unfortunately, I also come from that world. The people driving economy all they want is to ensure that there is stability,” said the senator promising the business community that she would make the right decision to bring peace to the country.
The senator recommended the Moi era style where a president could fire his vice president at any time and appoint a new one seamlessly.
“There is a history that every deputy president is unlikely to survive. We need to have the hiring and firing powers to be given to the person that hires. I wish we could go back to the Moi regime where they used to be sacked and nothing changes,” said Hon. Karanja.
Tabitha Karanja argued that this arrangement ensures continuity and prevents political turmoil that could jeopardize the country’s stability.
Tabitha Karanja urges President Ruto to maintain the deputy president’s position for the Kikuyu community
In conclusion to her submissions to the senate, Hon. Tabitha Karanja called on the president to reserve the vacant deputy president’s position to Kikuyus.
According to the senator, it is only fair to retain the position in the community since the former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua comes from the community.
“If we don’t save the current deputy president, I just pray that the position will be returned to the same community,” said Tabitha before taking her seat.
Also read: MP Ndindi Nyoro’s Absence During Gachagua’s Impeachment Hearing Raises Eyebrows
Her comments have attracted harsh criticism from a section of Kenyans who see them as insensitive and tribal.
Moi’s 24-year regime is commonly viewed as repressive and undemocratic, marked by dictatorial tendencies in Kenya.
President Moi’s strong governance style made Kenya a one-party state at one point when he fired and cracked on politicians who did not agree with his ideals.
Former President Moi often made dramatic cabinet dismissals during lunchtime news broadcasts and at stopovers on his numerous trips.
Netizens have criticized Senator Tabitha for expressing admiration for Moi’s governance style.
They also argue that it is hypocritical to label the deputy president as guilty of tribalism while some senators engage in tribal rhetoric during the same proceedings.
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