Grapevine

How censure motion forced out Moi's VP and Kibaki's minister

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's woes are piling following a censure motion tabled in the Senate in what pundits say is a litmus test before an impeachment motion is tabled in the National Assembly.

Gachagua finds himself in a situation like that of former Vice President Josephat Karanja and former Finance Minister Amos Kimunya, both of who decided to throw in the towel following a censure motion.

Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana, who has filed the motion, has said Gachagua has to be called to order, arguing that his conduct does not befit his status as the country's second in command.

"I would like to have the entire Senate discuss the conduct of the Deputy President since he has let down Kenyans over the manner he has been conducting himself in the recent past which does not befit his status as the Principal Assistant to the President of Kenya," said Mungatana.

Kimunya, then President Mwai Kibaki's Finance Minister, faced a censure motion in 2008 over his role in the sale of the Grand Regency Hotel. The motion was filed by the then Ikolomani MP Boni Khalwale, now Kakamega Senator.