Acting ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo has dismissed allegations that lawmakers were bribed during the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Speaking on a local television station on July 30, 2026, Omanyo emphasized that no financial incentives were necessary to secure support for Gachagua's removal. She argued that any rational legislator concerned about the nation's wellbeing would have voted to impeach him based on his divisive conduct.
"No money was needed to remove Gachagua from office. Any sober person who loves Kenya would not require inducements after hearing his statements and witnessing his actions," Omanyo stated. She added that Gachagua's impeachment was driven by his divisive rhetoric.
Contradicting Junet Mohamed's Allegations
Omanyo's remarks contrast with claims made by National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed during an ODM-UDA rally in Kakamega on July 26. Junet alleged that MPs received payments during the impeachment process and named an alleged accounting officer involved in the transactions. He advised those who accepted money to invest it wisely.
Other Bribery Claims and Legal Implications
Earlier, legislator Dan Maanzo alleged that senators were offered Sh4 million to support the impeachment, a bribe he claimed to have declined. He later revealed rejecting a further Sh10 million inducement linked to the process.
These bribery accusations have been leveraged by Gachagua, who has petitioned the courts to consider public statements by Junet and others as evidence of corruption during the impeachment.
Despite the controversy, Omanyo remains firm that the decision to remove Gachagua was motivated by concerns over his divisive behaviour rather than monetary influence.
