The first day of the public participation exercise of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment was characterised by political chants, violence, heated debate and court orders.
Anti-Ruto Chants
As was witnessed in some parts of the country, a section of Kenyans called for the impeachment of both President William Ruto and his deputy.
Those who voiced their opinion expressed that the two were elected under one ticket hence the need to have them impeached as a team.
Notably, some Kenyans were also creative in using phrases like 'kufa dereva, kufa conductor' to call for the impeachment of the duo.
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On the other hand, angry Kenyans wondered why government institutions had invested heavily to have public participation in the impeachment instead of addressing the current economic issues facing Kenyans.
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"Leo Wabunge mmekumbuka youths, wananchi kwa sababu mko na shida zenyu. Ingekuwa siyo impeachment, hamngeita watu huku. Leo mko na shida ndiyo mmekumbuka wananchi wa chini," a lady from Embakasi South expressed.
Tension in Gachagua's Backyard
In some parts of the DP's political backyard, the public participation exercise stalled as residents expressed displeasure over what they termed as the mistreatment of the DP.
Specifically in Nyeri County, some residents lit bonfires and sang anti-Ruto chants during the exercise.
"No Rigathi, no Ruto," some residents sang during the exercise in Nyeri.
Violence
In Nairobi, there was drama at the Bomas of Kenya after unknown individuals attacked Morara Kebaso forcing the exercise to stall for minutes.
The young lawyer, who has risen to fame in recent days, sustained injuries during the incident. The cause of the attack is yet to be known.
"I was barred from entering Bomas at the gate. When I finally got in, I was denied the mic on the Bomas floor. Chaos erupted. I am hurt. Headed to hospital. I live to speak another day," Kebaso stated.
Consequently, leaders across the political divide have condemned the violence.
"There is absolutely no reason for violence. There can never be justification for violence against anyone. Let everyone air their views unhindered because that is what democracy demands," Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna expressed.
"The scenes from some of the public participation forums across the country are shameful and must be condemned. Ni maoni tu si vita!"
Court Orders
During the day, the Kerugoya High Court ordered an extension of the nationwide exercise.
Consequently, National Assembly Clerk Samuel Njorohe announced that the exercise would be extended to Saturday, October 11.
"Further to the public participation exercise which commenced on 2nd October 2024, and the collection of views across the Venues and Constituency/County Women Representative Offices on 4th October 2024, the 290 Constituency Offices and 47 County Women Representative Offices of all Members of the National Assembly, which are offices under the Parliamentary Service Commission, shall remain open on Saturday, 5th October 2024 from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm to facilitate further public participation on the Special Motion," the clerk announced.
