Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has revealed that he was offered Ksh 10 million to support the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in October 2024. Speaking on Citizen TV, Maanzo said operatives linked to Kenya Kwanza, close to President William Ruto, approached him with the bribe and issued threats to ensure compliance.
“I was approached on condition that I take money and vote YES, but if I took it and voted NO, I would not get home safely,” Maanzo stated. He emphasized that he declined the offer despite the risks.
This disclosure aligns with recent admissions by various MPs who confessed to receiving bribes during the impeachment process. National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed acknowledged that funds were distributed among legislators, naming Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot as the custodian of the money.
Lang'ata MP Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang'o, also corroborated that bribery was widespread during the ouster proceedings.
Legal Challenges and Calls for Justice
Following the impeachment, Gachagua challenged the process in court but suffered a major setback when the High Court upheld the Senate's decision and ordered him to pay Ksh 50 million in constitutional damages, a ruling he rejected as a mockery of his rights.
Gachagua has since urged the judiciary to investigate the bribery allegations publicly confessed by lawmakers, demanding accountability and justice.
Several legal experts criticized the court's ruling. Former Chief Justice David Maraga warned the decision could encourage future breaches in impeachment proceedings, while lawyer Donald Kipkorir described the judgment as absurd for compensating rather than annulling the flawed impeachment.
Former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo highlighted concerns that the ruling may allow legislative bodies to avoid consequences of constitutional violations if such breaches are merely compensated financially.
