Just after returning from recess, Minority Leader Junet Mohammed on Wednesday sought the Speaker’s permission to move a motion of adjournment to discuss recent remarks made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Gachagua had, during a recent interview, issued what Junet termed as veiled threats of a recurrence of the 2007/2008 post-election violence in the 2027 elections should the IEBC meddle with the results.
While addressing the House, Junet called for an urgent debate on the matter, warning that failure to address the former DP’s remarks could incite unrest and put the country at risk.
“Mr. Speaker, I beg to give a notice of adjournment of the House to speak on definite matters of national importance, to discuss the threats by the former Deputy President on the recurrence of post-election violence in the country.
“Under provisions of Standing Order 33(1), I seek leave for the adjournment of the House to discuss the threats of the former Deputy President, which, if left unchecked, might endanger the security and well-being of the nation,” Junet stated on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
Speaker’s response
The motion was overwhelmingly supported by Members of Parliament, with several MPs rising in agreement, prompting the Speaker to act promptly.
In response to the overwhelming support, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula granted the motion and directed that it be prioritised.
“I direct that this matter be disposed of in the shortest time possible. I will allocate 1 hour and 30 minutes to the motion starting at 4:00 p.m. In case we reach 4:00 p.m. and still have pending business, we will step it down and proceed to discuss the motion,” said Wetang’ula.
The Speaker further instructed that all other statements and House business scheduled for that day be rescheduled to allow for the debate on the matter of national concern.
Gachagua’s remarks
This comes days after his remarks that he made during an interview on May 16, 2025, warning that mismanagement of the 2027 general elections could lead to violence worse than the 2007/2008 post-election crisis, which he described as a Christmas party.
“With the mood in the country, if the IEBC tries to mess with the elections, there will be no country here. I want to tell you, 2007 will look like a Christmas party,” Gachagua said, urging the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure fair elections and avoid rigging in favour of President William Ruto.
Gachagua later clarified on May 19, 2025, during a press conference at his Karen home, that his comments were not meant to incite violence but to caution the IEBC based on historical electoral issues in 1992, 1997, and 2007.
He emphasised his civic duty to warn against potential unrest if elections were mishandled, stating, “I did not say there will be violence in Kenya.
“I said that Kenyans don’t want Ruto to rig the 2027 general elections.”
