Fresh claims by Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohammed have stirred political debate after he alleged that lawmakers were given money during the impeachment process that removed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office in October 2024.
Speaking during a joint United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) convention in Kakamega on Sunday, Junet claimed that money changed hands in both the National Assembly and the Senate before legislators overwhelmingly voted in support of the impeachment motion.
His remarks drew attention from political leaders and supporters who attended the gathering.
According to Junet, Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot was the person responsible for handling the funds that were allegedly distributed to lawmakers during the process. Addressing the crowd, Junet said that there was “something that moved around” in Parliament when Gachagua was being removed from office. He went on to suggest that some MPs benefited financially from the exercise.
The Suna East legislator further claimed that while some lawmakers may have used the money wisely, others failed to make meaningful investments. He joked that some should have built decent homes instead of wasting the money they allegedly received. Junet also referred to an unnamed legislator whom he accused of spending the funds recklessly rather than improving his living conditions.
His comments came as he criticized leaders who are now seeking political alliances with Gachagua despite having supported his removal from office. Junet questioned the political shift, saying it was surprising for some politicians to return to a leader they had previously helped remove from government.
The remarks quickly became one of the most talked-about political issues of the day, adding fuel to ongoing discussions about alliances and power struggles ahead of future political contests. The convention was held in the home region of Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives and MSMEs Development Wycliffe Oparanya and attracted several leaders from both UDA and ODM.
Elsewhere in the western region, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna led the Linda Mwananchi caravan in Bungoma County, where he continued his criticism of President William Ruto and his administration.
Sifuna questioned the popularity of the government’s affordable housing program among residents of the region.
President Ruto, who attended the consecration of the fourth Bishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya’s Katakwa Diocese in Busia County, responded to the criticism.
In a light-hearted remark directed at Sifuna’s comments about the housing project, the President defended the initiative and dismissed the concerns raised by his critics.
The day’s political activities highlighted the growing competition among leaders as they continue to sell their agendas to voters across different parts of the country, with Junet’s allegations emerging as one of the biggest talking points from the events.
