When Wiper Democratic Movement leader touts of being the official leader of opposition he is, as statistics would show, not delusional.

In the unfolding brouhaha surrounding the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper affiliated representatives in the National Assembly and the Senate voted against the motion. Although overwhelmingly outnumbered by the newly found bromance between ODM and UDA in the national assembly, Wiper alongside UDA’s representatives majorly from the Mt Kenya region, accounted for the majority of the 44 votes against impeaching Gachagua.

Explore the detailed voting patterns of Wiper Party members and other political groups in the impeachment of Kenya’s Deputy President and their stances on key finance bills. Swipe through the slideshow to see how different representatives voted, highlighting divisions and alliances within Kenyan politics. Please swipe to view.

Despite Wiper’s positioning as the de facto opposition party, there were still naysayers in the party who voted in favour of the motion. Interestingly, these members highlight different regional representation from Ukambani. They include Farah Maalim from Dadaab in Garissa County, John Okano Bwire from Taveta, Khamis Chome Abdi from Voi, Danson Mwashako from Wundanyi in Taita Taveta County, and Donya Dorice Aburi, the Women’s Representative for Kisii. Additionally, Talib Abubakar Ahmed, a nominated member of the National Assembly, also voted “Yes.”

This suggests that Kalonzo does not have a strong hold over his party, or over the fragmented opposition coalition he leads, which also includes Eugene Wamalwa from the DAP-K.

Nonetheless, Wiper members were part of the 236 affirmative votes for Kithure Kindiki as new Deputy President to replace Gachagua, indicating that the Kalonzo-led party’s stance on opposition seems more a political manoeuvre; rather than a stance inspired by their calls for the respect of the rule of law and real issues ailing the citizenry.

Moreover, Wiper’s stance on the contentious finance bill which led to countrywide protests reflect the same pattern of voting against the majority in the National Assembly. Farah Maalim was the sole legislator from Wiper who voted in favour of the finance bill; even though at the time, Wiper was part of the Azimio alliance with ODM and other parties such as Martha Karua’s Narc Kenya.

Shift of Allegiances in Ukambani

First Slide: Wiper Party Leader, Kalonzo Musyoka. Second Slide: Makau with Alfred Mutua during the public participation phase of Gachagua’s impeachment in Machakos.

The voting trends between the finance bill and the impeachment of the deputy president within the Wiper Democratic Party in ukambani tell a story of a rift in allegiances. Charles Ngusya Nguna, the representative for Mwingi West, voted “Yes” in the impeachment proceedings alongside Patrick Makau from Mavoko in Machakos County.

Patrick Makau, in particular, has been spotted aligning with the MCCP (Maendeleo Chap Chap Party), whose member Mwengi Mutuse tabled the motion to impeach the Deputy President. (Maendeleo Chap Chap is part of the Kenya Kwanza alliance).

In an impassioned speech at the National Assembly, Makau voiced his reasons for voting to impeach Gachagua, claiming that Gachagua, when called upon to halt the demolitions of houses in Mavoko circa October 2023, did not aide the residents from Makau’s constituency.

Makau appeared to launch his bid for the Machakos gubernatorial seat during the public participation phase of Gachagua’s impeachment. His early campaigning for the 2027 governorship raises concerns, particularly if it involves the use of public resources. This could be problematic under the Elections Offenses Act, as it suggests premature campaign efforts well ahead of the election cycle.

A group of Ukambani leaders firmly aligned with UDA also exists, all of whom voted in favour of the impeachment and the finance bill. They are led by Mwala MP Vincent Musau, Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai, Kitui South MP Dr. Kaki Nyamai, Masinga and MP Joshua Mwalyo.

By Steffany Ndei.