Political analyst Herman Manyora has weighed in on the growing exchange between former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, urging caution over attempts to sideline Gachagua through impeachment politics.
Manyora argued that the current push to weaken Gachagua politically may not deliver the expected outcome.
He pointed to Kenya’s recent history, noting that even serious legal and political battles have not always stopped leaders from contesting for the presidency.
According to Manyora, impeachment threats do not carry the same political weight as international criminal charges once did.
He referenced the period when Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto faced cases at the International Criminal Court. Despite the gravity of those charges, both leaders successfully ran for office in 2013.
In his view, a contested or unstable impeachment process cannot automatically block a determined politician from seeking higher office. He suggested that such moves could even energize supporters who feel their candidate is being targeted.
Manyora’s reaction came after Duale challenged Gachagua to a public debate over development in the North Eastern region.
The Cabinet Secretary had expressed readiness to defend the government’s record and confront criticism directly.
However, Gachagua declined the challenge and maintained that he will only debate President Ruto in a presidential contest. He signaled that his political battle is with the Head of State, not members of the Cabinet.